I was out on a run during the day and Carla was running around as she usually does. We caught each other's eye as she drove by. But, Carla was characteristically driving fast and I knew I wouldn't catch her if I ran after her, so I just kept on running. That cute girl in the Blue Jeep never left my mind, though. A few blocks later I heard a girl yell "Hey Mister!!" My neck nearly snapped as I turned around, knowing it was that cute girl. She said "I think you're cute, here's my number", and gave me her hockey business card. I didn't know if she thought I was a hockey prospect or what, but I texted her as soon as I got back from my run.

It was an uncharacteristically sunny Saturday in September. In my sporadic fashion, I said, "Blake, let's go to a strawberry patch to pick strawberries!!." So we did. On the way to Garwood Orchards, we played tons of Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. As I screamed all of the lyrics in Blake's ear, his smile beamed ear-to-ear. Never had I ever experienced so much acceptance from a man in my life who I was completely head over heels for. That feeling carried on as we went on horse-drawn carriage rides, picked strawberries and apples, and took photos. I knew that I had fallen in love with him as I ran through the wild sunflower field and he chased behind me. I truly felt I had met my prince charming. All of my life I was chasing hockey boys thinking that they would make me happy, but I realized that God had a different plan for me and it was this amazing man who was everything I wanted and needed. I struggled into my 30s wondering if I would ever meet the right person and just continued to pray. After falling in love with Blake, it made me realize that God's Divine Order and perfect timing is what we need to trust in life, no matter what the circumstance. God always pulls through for us and makes us stronger along the way. I can finally wholeheartedly sing the end of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" and that's how this day in September felt.

We got engaged in Carla's apartment after she got done coaching a hockey game for the Chicago Jets. The location of the proposal suits us - our relationship gravitates around the apartment and so it is fitting that Blake propose there with just the two of us and little Vinnie the Bunny around. Sure, we could have done it at one of our alma maters - the University of Notre Dame is a place that has had an enormous influence on Blake his whole life and Wisconsin has surrounded Carla's every move. But those places weren't about us together. The simplicity of the proposal suits us - COVID forced us to really get to know each other, we didn't have the excitement of concerts, bars, and events. But we still got to do things that are the most important - Blake taught Carla how to golf, Carla continued to coach, and they both got to spend time with each others families. The timing of the proposal suits us - Carla loves hockey and Blake loves watching her pursue her passion (and sports). We are both deeply passionate people, in our own ways. It only felt appropriate for it to happen after a game. We're both ecstatic for what the future will hold and can't wait for it to unfold before us!