We're Getting Married!

Gabriel and Kaylee met on Bumble, though Kaylee was initially a bit skeptical about meeting someone from a dating app. She confidently told Gabe she planned to make him wait a few weeks before meeting in person… just to be safe. That plan didn’t last long. Gabe managed to change her mind, and the two ended up going on their first date on Valentine’s Day —no pressure at all. They met for breakfast and sat across from each other, only to quickly admit they were both so nervous they couldn’t even eat. So, they did the only thing that made sense—they left. Instead, they grabbed energy drinks from Coffee Revolution, went for a drive, and spent hours talking. It turned out to be the perfect first date. From that day on, they were inseparable. Even while doing long distance, it felt like they were constantly driving back and forth just to spend time together. Six months later, Gabe moved in, and they’ve been side by side ever since. It’s safe to say that not waiting those few weeks was one of the best decisions they ever made!

For nearly four months, Gabe had been secretly planning the perfect proposal. There was one important condition: Kaylee’s father wouldn’t give his blessing until she passed her NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. Once she did, Gabe and Kaylee’s mom, Deanna, got the ball rolling. Deanna shared a treasured family heirloom—a wedding ring that had belonged to Kaylee’s great-grandmother, carefully saved for her future. She offered the ring to Gabe, and together they spent months designing the perfect setting to showcase the stone. The big day was January 31st, 2026—the same day Gabe and Kaylee had originally matched on Bumble years earlier. Gabe had planned everything, but he had to wait for just the right moment—thankfully, Kaylee had a hair appointment, giving him time to set things up. The day began with a meaningful stop at Coffee Revolution, the same coffee shop they had visited on their very first date three years prior. From there, he led her to Vanderveer Park in Davenport, Iowa, for a walk. The park held special significance: Kaylee’s great-grandmother, whose heirloom ring would soon play a starring role, used to take Kaylee there as a child to feed the geese. Kaylee had no idea what was about to happen. As they walked into the botanical center, Gabe got down on one knee, while Kaylee’s brother, Keegan, secretly filmed the moment from the corner of the bushes. Kaylee said yes! Afterward, they went to lunch, where Kaylee was surprised by all of her family members gathered to celebrate the engagement. It was a day full of love, laughter, and memories they’ll cherish forever.