We met amongst friends to watch the college football national championship on January 20th, 2025 at the Lone Oak Grill. However, it was the weekend before that Annika first heard all about me. Our friends Michael and Treva had went to high school with Annika, and ran into each other at Monica's wedding. Michael took the opportunity, and became my greatest wingman. I'll never know the exact details of what was said between him and Annika, but it was enough to make her interested. Of course, it wasn't until the drive to the Lone Oak Grill, that Michael revealed to me any of these details - and that was probably for the best. I was nervous sitting with the rest of the group knowing that she would soon be walking in. What I didn't know, was that she would later calm my nerves with her warmth and infectious laugh. One of the things I took away from that night, was how genuine she was, which is still one of my favorite qualities of her. Over the next month, we got to know each other more during weekly Bachelor watch parties with our friends. All leading to the night I finally asked her out.

Our first dates were what some may call a bit "unorthodox", and may have even been deal breakers for some. Instead, I think they highlighted our compatibility and how comfortable we were when together. The 1st Date (2/14): Yes, it was a Valentines Day first date! Annika met me at my apartment near St. Thomas before we drove to The Groveland Tap. Dinner was fantastic (especially the pear cider) and there was never a pause in our conversation. Following dinner we went to the Minnesota wrestling dual, where the gophers took on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Annika was a wrestling manager in high school, and it was awesome being able to get into the matches with someone who understood the sport. We still don't believe in the 3pt takedown. The 2nd Date (2/21): We went ice skating at the Groveland ice rink. I remember never wanting the skating to end as we talked - but maybe that was because we had planned to get sushi for dinner. Annika loves sushi, and up until this night I had never had the desire to try it. We tried a few different types of rolls - all of which I ended up spitting up in front of her, as she tried to hold back her laughs. I've yet to test the waters again. The 3rd Date (3/1): I took Annika out ice fishing for the first time on Bald Eagle Lake. It was a beautiful day, and things got off to a great start when I sliced my finger taking off the augers blade cover. As I worked to stop the bleeding, I had Annika pick out a jig to tie on. She had no trouble picking one out, but tying it on became much more difficult as I watched it slip out of her hand and drop straight down the hole. I'm not even sure we caught a single fish on the day, but we had a great time and said our first "I Love You's" later that night.

I proposed to Annika at Willow River State Park, WI on February 28th, 2026. I picked the location since it was a park I grew up visiting and one that we had visited on a couple occasions. For the big day, I planned a mini road trip where we would stop at a few different state parks. We first visited interstate state park in St. Croix Falls before making our way towards Willow River. Once we arrived, we took a walk down to the Willow River Falls, which is at the bottom of a very steep hill. Given the time of year, this was glare ice, so we ended up sliding down most of the way. We had the falls mostly to ourselves and we eventually made our way near the water. I dipped my hand it feeling the icy cold current, before suggesting Annika test it for herself. She did, and when she turned back I was on a knee. Everything was perfect...once I flipped the ring box right-side up. She said yes, and the rest is history.