Makayla & I met in downtown Des Moines back in 2016 & from the moment I saw her I was blown away & still am to this day. We had followed each other on Instagram for awhile, but never actually met until 2/13/16. From the moment I saw her that night, I knew I had to formally introduce myself because I always thought she was a babe! Fortunately, she was with people we were mutual friends with or else I probably would've never introduced myself. We exchanged numbers & the next day I had asked her to hang out without realizing it was Valentine's Day, which is not the best day of the year to try to have a first date. She already had plans with her family (or so she says) so it took a week of waiting until she took me up on our dinner. I thought I should take a beautiful girl like her somewhere really nice for our first date so I was able to pull some strings & got us a reservation at the finest restaurant in Des Moines.... Jethro's BBQ. It's not easy getting a table during primetime on a Friday night there so she was definitely impressed (just kidding - I am still ashamed of that choice to this day). Makayla and I have been through it all together and she has stood by my side through it all. From her trying to keep track of where I live for work (I'm sure she would get to the airport & wonder where in the hell she was supposed to be traveling to), moving 1,000 miles away from home for me, and surviving a quarantine without hating each other. I am always amazed by how self-less she is, her heart for others, kindness, work ethic, her sense of humor, and how she treats my family & friends. She is truly all I could ever ask for in a wife and I cannot wait to get to call her mine forever! We always have fun together and make the most out of every situation. I promise I'll let ya win a card game or board game once we're married ;). I can't wait to see what our life together has in store and I will always be thankful for you. I LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT FOR JULY 17, 2021!

What started off as a fun girl's night turned into meeting the love of my life! When Bobby came up & introduced himself, I thought he was SO cute (have you seen those eyes?!). He was funny too & we instantly hit it off. He asked me to dinner, but I was hesitant at first because he honestly seemed too good to be true. Thankfully I finally gave in about a week later! The night of our first date I was so nervous & excited that I don't think I stopped talking the whole time (not much has changed lol!!). After that, I was head over heels for him. I had never been one to fall fast, but I instantly knew that he was different. Actually, I knew that Bobby was "the one" very early in our relationship. I can't explain it, but one night driving home from hanging out, it hit me like a wall of bricks that I knew I could never live without him. They say when you know you know & it's true- I knew! Through the years of 1,000+ mile long distance, traveling all over, big moves, becoming puppy parents, quarantine, & everything in between- we always have become stronger & closer no matter what life throws at us. Growing up I had an idea of what I was looking for in a husband, but he truly is better than my wildest dreams. I have never met anybody who makes me feel more like myself, yet makes me the best version of myself at the same time. He is SO thoughtful- he always brings me coffee, holds the door, leaves me sweet notes, & surprises me with my favorite things, just to name a few. He's the kind of guy every girl watches movies about but doesn't think actually exists. He is kind, incredibly hard-working, always keeps me smiling & laughing- I could honestly go on & on. He is truly the best guy ever & I am so thankful he's my forever! Bobby, the last 5 years with you have been the best of my life & I can't wait for the next 50 & beyond!! Thank you for being you & for making me happier than I knew was possible. I love you more than you'll ever know! 7.17.21 can't come soon enough!!