It was an ordinary day at my nursing home job, when I'm bustling down the stairwell to suddenly run into a cute guy coming through the door at the bottom. I thought I might get away with my face mask hiding my flushed face, but our eyes connected long enough to talk for me. "What is a cute guy like him doing here?", I thought to myself. Blake found me again in a patient’s room on the 2nd floor and asked for a tour, because that's what the therapy girl is for, right? Happily, I agreed and this began one of our many wonderful, endearing, and intriguing conversations with the man who would become my fiancé and soon-to-be husband. It was love at first sight as I watched Blake interact with my sweet residents. After a nudge from my sweet [*scheming*] co-workers and my sister, who was living with me at the time, Blake and I began dating on 08/06/2021. The first time he invited me over to his apartment, he asked me to “have a seat” because he wanted to play a song for me. It wasn’t the guitar that impressed me as much as his voice. Yes, he sang to me! Wow - I was blown away and filled with butterflies, all at once. I’ve had countless private concerts ever since with a one of my personal favorites that he has written, “For you, my love.” On Christmas Eve 2024, Blake knelt down on one knee at Johnson's Park in Norfolk, NE and asked me to marry him. I threw off my gloves and gave him my hand, with tears in my eyes, I said, "YES!". Blake is a romantic, loyal, and needless-to-say, handsome partner. He loves so big and cares so deeply. He has made me feel like the only girl in the world since day one, loved me through my highs and lows, and truly brings out the best version of me. Our journey through dating, engagement, and pre-marriage has been filled with our mutual love for our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God for Blake every day and for giving me a man of God who can lead me through each step life throws our way. I cannot wait to say “I do” with you, my love.

How We Met I first met Mattea at Omaha Nursing and Rehab. Of course, I was immediately struck by how beautiful she was — but what truly caught my attention was the way she interacted with the residents. There’s something special about Mattea. She has this rare gift of making everyone around her feel seen, valued, and cared for. In a setting that can often feel heavy or somber, Mattea brought light and joy. Watching her connect so genuinely with the people we served made it clear that she wasn’t just kind — she was extraordinary. That same day, I called my mom and told her, “I just met the girl I’m going to marry.” Turns out, I was right.