HOW WE MET Alyssa and Justin graduated from the same high school and knew of each other growing up—but that was about it. Years later, everything changed at the Elks Lodge in Alexandria on a football Sunday. With the Vikings on and the song 15th and the 1st playing on TouchTunes by Alyssa. Alyssa was there with her mom while Justin was there with his dad. Justin sitting on the opposite side of the bar, questioned who would play a song like that at the Elks. They noticed each other—but Alyssa didn’t think much of it. Later that night, after Justin worked up some courage he sent a Facebook DM to Alyssa: “Go Vikes haha!” Unsure how to respond, Alyssa called her mom (of course). With a little encouragement from her mom, Alyssa replied to the DM — and from that moment on, they haven’t gone a single day without talking. NEXT MEETING A few weeks later, they were back at the Elks - this time with both of their parents. The day took a quick turn as the parents met (they hadn't even made it offical) and they all bonded over a round of water mocassin shots. FIRST DATE Alyssa and Justin's first official date was at Billy Sushi. It started a little awkwardly (thanks to tight seating and big tables nearby), but they laughed it off and decided to keep the night going and headed to Runyon's. At Runyon’s, everything clicked. The conversation flowed, the nerves disappeared, and the night ended with a simple—slightly awkward—hug. Alyssa went home to her cats and called her mom - the first thing she stated was "He's shorter than me." Justin made the drive back to Alexandria. Later that night they made the decision they would like to keep seeing each other. TAKING THE LEAP In January 2025, their relationship was made official. By May 2025, long distance wasn't cutting it. Justin sold his home in Alexandria and moved into Alyssa’s one-bedroom apartment in Minneapolis. Seven and a half months later, they bought their first home together in Champlin. THE PROPOSAL On March 10, 2026, Justin told Alyssa he was taking her out for her birthday. He picked her up from work early, saying their dinner reservation wasn’t until later—keeping the plan for the night a mystery. The first stop Justin brought them to, was the Stone Arch Bridge. They were making their way across when Alyssa noticed something strange - a woman shushing a stroller, but no sound could be heard coming from it. As she pondered this, she realized Justin was no longer beside her and turned around. Justin was down on one knee and asked the question (He may or may not have been so nervous he mispronounced Alyssa's last name). She said yes. They were able to spend the night celebrating at their first date spot - Billy Sushi. THE BEGINNING OF FOREVER From a football Sunday, to matching tattoos, to a bridge in Minneapolis—this is just the beginning of their forever. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. 💛