We never crossed paths during our time at Iowa State. We did meet in Ames, though, back for homecoming a few years after we graduated. Austin - living in Kansas City - and Merritt - living in Minneapolis - kept the conversation going via Spotify. And after nearly a year of exclusively talking about music, Merritt convinced Austin to come to Minneapolis for Basilica Block Party, a music festival on the lawn of the church that would eventually hold our wedding. It was our first date; it lasted three days.

Austin's text to Merritt the first time he told her he loved her. (The text came amid some NCAA March Madness celebrating.) Austin was a bit old fashioned in that he wanted to say it in person, hence the "oops" text immediately after. Merritt did what all girls do upon hearing "I love you" and sent a screenshot of the conversation to five of her closest friends for step-by-step directions of what to do next.

It was time to officially say so long to long distance. We spent almost two years living 600 miles apart. On May 1, we packed up Austin, his things, his cat and the cat's sedative into the Chevy Impala. Austin's cat, Plo, was a trooper and spent the seven-hour drive at Austin's feet (see also: the gas and break pedals).

Merritt picked Austin up (this was a date after all) and drove to a restaurant, near Loring Park. Nothing out of the norm. Austin noted they were early for their reservation and, "Hey, how about we take a walk in the park first?" Considering her high heels and Austin's newfound zest for physical activity, Merritt knew something was up. He walked her to a bench, gave her a note (one of many throughout the years), and got down on one knee as she read through his words. "Will you marry me?" he then asked. Spoiler: she said yes. We got to dinner and our server, upon hearing the news, promptly told us their best champagne was necessary. We can attest that yes, in fact it was their best champagne, as it was included on our bill.