It was late afternoon on a blustery, cold day in March when Betsy decided to go to the dog park after waking up from a drawn-out night shift. She had only been in Iowa for about a month and regretted not looking for a work assignment somewhere warmer (California, helllllo:). As she walked around the park, an ADORABLE, spunky Australian Shepherd desperately tried to get Cooper to play with him. Grumpy Coop ignored Bro'Dee, but the pupper wouldn't stop! He followed Betsy and Cooper around the dog park, barking and rolling on his back, begging Cooper to play. Coop ignored his antics. After about 20 minutes, Betsy was wondering where this dog's owner was. Finally, "Mr. Man-Bun" walked up to her, and said in his sweet voice, "I'm sorry, is my dog bothering you?", while flashing his inviting smile. Betsy warmed right up after that! She knew right then that she had met someone very special. She tried to run in to him again at the dog park, Thursdays at 4:30 pm, but she kept missing it as she was working night shift. One warm day in April, she went to a new park and got lost on a ski trail. The day was warm, and it was a bright, perfect day. Out of nowhere, a crazy, adorable Australian Shepherd came running up! It was the one from the dog park, finally! Tanner walked up soon, accompanied by a girl! Betsy told herself he must have a sister, and proceeded to ask him a million questions. Betsy and Tanner would keep running in to each other in various places throughout Iowa City that spring. Eventually, Tanner asked Betsy for her phone number. The two have been inseparable since.

Betsy and Tanner decided while they were in NY for Christmas, they should spend New Years Eve at Niagara Falls. They started the night off at a steakhouse with singing waiters. A waiter began to sing Betsy's favorite song "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, and Tanner got down on one knee. It was magic. They finished dinner and rode a 175 ft ferris wheel in the cold, snuggled up together and enjoying view of the Christmas lights below. Betsy told Tanner she thought they should elope, and he agreed! They were both so excited to be engaged that they forgot all about the countdown to midnight! After the countdown and fireworks, Tanner INSISTED on grabbing dessert at a supposed vegan place. (another steakhouse!) Something seemed off, but Betsy was too tired to argue. When they were sat at a table set for 8 people, Betsy panicked and told Tanner she thought they were sat at someone else's table! Suddenly, Rachael, Kevin, Sarah and a gaggle of kiddos came around the corner with a bouquet of flowers, balloons, chocolates, and other various thoughtful gifts to help celebrate their engagement! This was all so special, but Tanner involving her sisters meant the world to Betsy. It was perfect. The plans for elopement were cast over by everyone's excitement for a weeding. Sarah embodied this excitement herself, saying if they eloped, she would kill them. So here we are!