As all modern love stories begin, we met at a bar in North Loop. I (Annika) was the designated driver, sticking to water. Mack was not the designated driver, and introduced himself then asked me to take a tequila shot with him. I declined after a couple attempts. Mack *clearly intrigued* followed up by messaging me on Instagram. We exchanged a couple messages, but nothing more than that. Fast forward to mid-March, we ran into each other again at The Basement Bar. The following day, my friend Korie sent a picture of us saying “someone date this man,” to which I replied, “I’m working on it girls”. We started texting a little more and then in April, Mack asked me on our first official date. Fast forward to May 29, 2021 after going on a few more dates and spending more time with each other, Mack asked me to be his girlfriend. From there, we knew we found our person in each other.

Starting our proposal story would only be fitting to start at the very beginning. While in Mexico in February 2023, Mack planned a private romantic dinner next to the beach. When it was time for dessert, our waiter brought out this fancy looking dish that had the words "For One Life With You" written in chocolate. This was the night Mack asked me to look at engagement rings with him. After the trip, we went and looked at them. I picked out a general idea of what shape and band I would like. We then jump to 5 months later, 4th of July weekend, the weekend before the proposal. My sister, Christina, texted me asking to go get our nails done together before the weekend. I have known her since I was 2 and not once has she ever asked me to get our nails done. I tried to keep telling myself "This may just be a coincidence. Worst case you are spending time with your sister and getting your nails done." On Friday, July 7th, 2023, Mack planned a date night. I knew something may be happening, but I was wrong previously, so I didn’t think much of it. After a couple cocktails and lots of pasta, Mack asked me to go for a walk around Lake Harriet, which happens to be one of our favorite places. I kept telling myself "This may just be a coincidence. Worst case you are going on a date and a walk with your favorite person." 5 minutes into the walk, Mack asked me to step to the side for a second. He got down on one knee and said some things, which neither of us remember, and asked me to marry him. I happily said "YES OF COURSE" and out popped a photographer to capture the moment. After I said yes, we started walking towards to bandshell. We took a couple more pictures and out popped our immediate families. We took a few more pictures and planned on heading to our apartment to hangout. When we got to our apartment, Mack had all (minus a few) of our best friends ready to surprise me. A few hours into our amazing celebration, my sisters and I were sitting on the couch looking at the engagement pictures. All of the sudden I hear a voice behind me, and I turn around to find my college best friend, Kaylie, who flew all the way in just to surprise me. This whole day was something neither of us will ever forget, and it was all thanks to my amazing fiancé and the incredible people in our lives. We can't wait to experience the next chapter of our lives, saying 'I do', in front of our favorite people!