Blaine and I first met in Rapid City — both of us four hours from home — at the Stock Show. We only talked briefly that day, but he clearly made an impression, because not long after, Blaine made the trip to Brookings where I was in college at the time. After a few visits and weekends spent traveling back and forth, Blaine asked me to be his girlfriend. From there, our relationship became a rhythm of long drives and weekend visits. I quickly learned what Blaine’s world was all about — the outdoors. It didn’t take long for me to realize that if this was going to work, I’d eventually need to head north and embrace that lifestyle too. Fast forward to August of 2025 — we were heading out early one morning when Blaine led me to a lookout that stretched for miles and miles. There, at 7:30 in the morning, with the most beautiful view, he got down on one knee and proposed. Next summer, we’ll finally break the distance and begin building our lives together. We can’t wait to start this next adventure as husband and wife! 🤍