Braden and Kellie met while attending college. Braden was attending Wartburg College and 20 minutes away down Highway 218, Kellie was attending the University of Northern Iowa. They instantly connected. Their first date, in a pandemic, was in a park next to the Cedar Cross River in Waverly. They played music together, sang, and ate some snacks. They officially started dating and have been together since. They have traveled together, supported each other, and loved each other for 5 years. After graduating college, Braden moved to Kellie's hometown of Dubuque, Iowa from Norwalk, Iowa with their puppy California Roll. Braden officially proposed to Kellie on June 9th, 2024, on the Riverwalk in Dubuque, overlooking the Mississippi River. They were surrounded by their friends, Kellie's family, and California Roll. They recently became homeowners together and thank everyone who helped them move in the snow.

"There are too many to choose from... One of my favorites when we first met was sitting in Braden's Kia Rondo looking up at the stars and eating Casey’s donuts in the UNI parking lot. A recent one would be when we played music together, me on my violin and Braden on his guitar, for a few hours in our basement. We learned new songs and had a blast."

"My favorite memory was the first time I beat Kellie at Mario Kart. It took me over a year and I was afraid she might break up with me for it, but I'm very glad she didn't because I love her very much."