We first crossed paths in July 2018 at Camp Galilee in El Dorado Springs during a high school camp. While we were both there, we didn’t really connect. The following July, we ended up at camp again—this time in the same “family group,” meaning we spent a lot more time together. But once camp ended, we parted ways as just camp friends. In the winter of 2020, we both attended a weekend retreat at camp, and this time, after the weekend ended, we kept in touch through Snapchat and FaceTime. Our "first dates" were simple—mostly at Sonic or walking around Walmart—thanks to the pandemic shutting down most other places. Finally, in June, we went to Brayden’s senior prom together, where he officially asked Sydney to be his girlfriend. Now, over five years later, we’re getting married!

Each year, to celebrate our anniversary, Brayden and I make it a point to have a picnic on his family’s farm. We get dressed up, enjoy delicious food and homemade lemonade, watch the sunset, and capture the moment with pictures. But this year, our fourth anniversary would become one of the most special days of our lives. As we pulled up to our usual spot, I noticed something special—Brayden had mowed a heart into the grass right where we set up our picnic. It was such a sweet, thoughtful touch! As always, we laid out our picnic and exchanged heartfelt letters we had written for each other. When Brayden finished reading his, he got down on one knee—and surrounded by the beauty of the farm and our favorite tradition, he asked me to marry him. After I said "yes" (of course!), we enjoyed our picnic, soaking in the moment. Our parents arrived after to celebrate and take pictures, making the day even more special. It was an unforgettable day—one filled with love, surprises, and the start of the rest of our lives together. It was the perfect way to start our forever!

As we begin this exciting new chapter together, we have so much to look forward to. This fall, Brayden started his dental school journey at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, while Sydney is finishing her senior year at the University of Missouri in Columbia. After the wedding in November, Sydney will be joining Brayden in Kansas City, where we’ll begin our life together. We’ll be heading on our honeymoon over Spring break, marking the beginning of this special season in our lives. As Brayden starts his second semester of dental school, Sydney will finish up a few online undergrad classes and take the next big step: applying to Physician Assistant master’s programs in the Kansas City area. We’re hopeful that, by God’s grace, she'll be accepted to a program and begin her master’s in January 2027. Together, Kansas City will be home as we finish our education until we graduate in 2029. We are so grateful for the love and support of our family and friends as we embark on this journey, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!