We met thanks to a couple of our common friends in true Cinderella fashion. Henry and his friends were planning a day trip to Valley Fair in the late summer days of the year 2017. Earlier that summer, Alexia ran the Grandma's Full Marathon and stayed at her Eau Claire hockey teammate's house. With the hustle and bustle that is Grandma's Marathon, Alexia forgot her running shoes in Duluth. So as Henry and his friends built their day trip agenda, meeting with Alexia crept onto their list of things to do. Fast forward through a day of fun at Valley Fair, Henry and his friends worked their way to the Mall of America parking ramp to meet briefly with Alexia and her mother who just arrived back to the Twin Cities from a weekend trip to Madeline Island. The Georgia parking ramp (Go Braves!) was the first meeting place for these future lovers! Romantics might say it was "Love at first sight" but we both believe it was part of God's plan. The spark was lit that led to Alexia and Henry building their relationship through long drives and many phone calls and Facetimes. The rest, well that is history!

March 10th has always been a special day for us. In 2018 we began dating and Henry wore a suit and surprised Alexia with flowers to ask her to be his girlfriend. Through thoughtful surprises over the years, Alexia expected something "big" for the day that Henry would finally propose. As the 5 year dating anniversary approached, Henry was assigned with planning a date and he tried to keep plans subtle as he shared that he was very busy that day, trying to keep the big day as a secret as possible. A lot of behind the scenes planning was assisted by their good friend Abby Anderson (Gohl), who helped Henry as she distracted Alexia and even helped set-up the surprise at her apartment that featured an invitation to meet Henry at the Como Park Conservatory. The aforementioned "behind the scenes" planning went well as Alexia was truly surprised as she entered Abby's apartment in St. Paul. A white dress hung from in the sunroom, accompanied by a dozen roses, a photo of the couple and perfume to wear that day. Henry sat nervously in his car at the Como Park Conservatory as he saw group after group enter the conservatory. He wondered how he could possibly find an intimate place for their special moment. As he entered the Conservatory he found a spot that would allow Alexia to see him as soon as she entered the humid hall of plants. Alexia showed up, looking beautiful as ever with an ear to ear smile. After a note and knee touching the floor, Alexia answered the question with head nod and tears. A big hug and kiss followed the unforgettable moment of excitement. Abby hosted a photo-op on a cold, late winter day before the couple made their way to one last surprise at W.A. Frost. The couple made their way as Alexia made phone call after phone call, sharing the news. Alexia shared that her last wish of that day was to see her parents and lone and behold, as the couple was led to their table they found her parents. They shared a memorable night of happy tears and conversation. This was our favorite day, for now.