Our story began in the spring of 2018 at Butler University in Indianapolis, a season when life felt especially fun and full. We were riding the high of nonstop events and soaking up every last moment of senior year, with no idea life was about to get even better. We each had our own friend groups and busy social calendars, but Butler’s close knit community meant our paths crossed often. I had definitely known of AJ, as his energy around campus was infectious. When it came time for my final Delta Gamma spring formal, I knew it had to be the best one yet, so inviting AJ felt like the obvious choice. Before formal, we decided to officially hang out just the two of us. Ice cream was the plan until Graeter’s, the best ice cream shop in Indy, was closed. We pivoted to McFlurries in the car like true college kids, and yes, somehow the ice cream machines were working. We hit it off instantly. Formal was a blast, and from there we were inseparable, showing up together at just about every Butler event and even traveling to Columbus, Ohio for AJ’s last Delt spring formal. We spent our final months on campus making the most of it all, frequenting classic college spots like Thursday night $1 wells at LandSharks in Broad Ripple, Butler basketball games in Hinkle Fieldhouse, and late night pizza at Goodfellas. After graduation, AJ traveled to Minnesota and met my family as “just a friend,” but on November 4th, 2018 we made things officially official. Over the last seven years, we have grown so much together, navigating life side by side and supporting one another through every season. We spent five of those years making countless memories with our best friends in Indianapolis. In the summer of 2023, we moved back to Minnesota together and have loved starting this next chapter. We cannot wait to continue building our life as we step into marriage and deepen our roots here in Minneapolis.

In the winter of 2024, Libby casually mentioned how fun it would be to attend a fun, festive corporate holiday party (something that doesn’t exist in public education). That comment sparked an idea for AJ, and from that moment on, a plan quietly began to take shape. After lots of secret planning and careful coordination, AJ created the perfect cover: a fake holiday work party that was actually a secret proposal. The invitation arrived via a carefully curated Paperless Post evite, complete with a full schedule and even parking directions. While sitting on the couch at home, AJ would casually say things like, “Hey, did you get that Paperless Post RSVP? I just told them yes.” Confused about why her attendance mattered, Libby ignored the notifications for days before finally RSVPing and thinking nothing more of it. After some gentle guidance and steering Libby away from her plan to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, everything was officially set. Libby didn’t question a thing, even when we arrived at the location and it was completely quiet and empty. The doorman casually welcomed us and asked if we were there for the holiday party, and at that point, the plan was in full motion. AJ hadn’t missed a single detail. Inside the Como Conservatory in St. Paul was the most beautiful cozy winter setting, and a place that already held special meaning for us. It was where we had gone right after ring shopping together for the first time. AJ popped the question, Libby said the easiest YES of her life, and moments later she was surprised by all of our immediate family, who had traveled in and were waiting excitedly together in the lobby. The surprises didn’t stop there. We made our way to the next stop which was a gathering of 50 our closest family and friends ready to celebrate with us. Libby is still crying about it to this day. We felt so loved and supported as we entered our fiancé era and are incredibly grateful to the people who traveled to celebrate with us. We can’t wait to be married on July 11th and celebrate this milestone in our relationship surrounded by the people we love!