May 10, 2024, Zayne sent the first "like" and message on Hinge. We messaged back and forth a little bit and realized we had a lot in common. Both studied history in college, enjoyed board games, puzzles, and movies, and most importantly that we both want to follow Jesus with our whole lives. After going back and forth, Annika suggested they meet in person; Zayne had been thinking the same thing. May 23 was our first date at Buffalo Wild Wings in Hutchinson. It was a Thursday and Annika knew it was BOGO boneless wings and loves a good deal. We ate and then went for a walk in the park. Three and a half hours later, we hadn't stopped talking the whole time, and we said good night. From there, it continued to grow. Dates on the weekend, texts, and voice messages during the week. Zayne was definitely more interested at the beginning, and Annika caught up eventually. For a couple of weeks, Zayne wanted to make it official and ask Annika to be his girlfriend, and she wanted to keep taking it slow. He was so patient during this time, and Annika discovered more and more of his character. It finally felt right, and Annika wrote a poem telling Zayne this was "The moment I Knew" she wanted to be his girlfriend. This was July 20. We started meeting family and friends and sharing the fun news with people, but we didn't post anything online until October. We had been having some conversations about marriage at this point, and in November, we looked at rings. Little did Annika know, the very next week Zayne went and finalized details for a ring. He asked for her parents blessing at Thanksgiving and secretly picked up the ring a couple of weeks later when he was visiting Willmar. December 20, the Ellis Family Christmas was hosted at Zayne's parents' house. For a couple weeks Annika was preparing to be proposed to every time she saw Zayne, but had no idea when it would happen. There was something special about that morning, and she really thought it could happen that day. After an evening bonfire with stories, scriptures, and songs, we all went inside for Christmas presents. Everyone opened their gifts and just 1 gift for Annika remained. Zayne requested that she read it out loud, and as she did it was a beautiful poem of their relationship and his desire to spend every day together. "So as this poem comes to an end and I drop to a knee, Annika Joy Gustafson, will you marry me?" YESSSS!!! This has been one of the more expected seasons for each of us, but we can see God in each and every part. We are so excited to spend our lives together!