Finally!

We met sophomore year of high school—with David dating one of Katelyn’s friends (awkward). Like most teenage romances, that one fizzled out, and after some time, we reconnected junior year. From school dances to late-night study sessions, we were inseparable through the rest of high school. When college came along, we packed our bags—and ended up at schools in different cities. What followed was years of long-distance love letters, road trips between Des Moines and Iowa City, and learning how to stay close while far apart. After college, life took us in different directions for a while. Katelyn chased her dreams and matched at St. Jude for residency in Memphis. When David saw the announcement, he sent her a message to say congratulations. (Spoiler: that message changed everything.) What followed was even longer distance—this time from Memphis to Iowa City. But through it all, we knew the love was still there. Eventually, we made the best move yet: to Austin, together, where we’ve built a life full of paddleboarding, BBQ, laughter, and love. Now, after all these years (and all those miles), we can’t wait to start this next chapter—finally in the same city, on the same page, saying I do.

A decade after David nervously asked Katelyn to be his girlfriend in the cafeteria during their high school Sadie Hawkins dance, it was time for round two. David whisked Katelyn away for a weekend getaway in Texas wine country—Fredericksburg, TX. They spent Thursday and Friday savoring local wines, exploring scenic vineyards, and relaxing at their stunning Airbnb—complete with an epic pool. On Saturday afternoon, they ventured to a newer winery tucked into a wild poppy field. With glasses of Cabernet in hand, they wandered among the blooms, while David, the ever-doting boyfriend, snapped pictures of her. But as they reached the front of the vineyard, things took a turn. David put down the phone, got down on one knee, and asked Katelyn to marry him—just like he’d asked her to be his girlfriend more than 10 years earlier. As if that moment wasn’t magical enough, out of the trees jumped Katelyn’s brother, Brandon, and his girlfriend, Alejandra, who had secretly captured the whole thing on video. Cue happy tears, champagne, and a very excited “yes!” The four of them spent the afternoon celebrating—eating Jersey Mike’s (because romance also needs snacks) and toasting at their favorite wine bar in town. And just when Katelyn thought the surprises were over, they walked into their final winery of the day... to find both of their families waiting there, having flown in from Chicago to surprise them and celebrate together. It was the happiest day—with the best company, the perfect proposal, and a love story that just keeps getting better.