Most of you already know our story, but it all started almost 13 years ago in a grocery store up north. Even though we grew up in the same hometown and our families already knew each other, it took our families running into each other at the store for us to really start talking. I was a sophomore in high school, he was a junior, and our first date was at the county fair for the tractor pulls — which pretty much sums us up perfectly. From the beginning, neither of us ever wanted to decide what to watch on TV or what to do, and honestly not much has changed. These days, it’s usually neither of us wanting to decide what to make for dinner or what our plans are for the weekend. Through every season of life, we’ve always been best friends first. Last July, he originally planned to propose during the Fourth of July fireworks, but after dislocating his knee the day before and rain ruining the fireworks, life had other plans. Instead, he proposed on a random Monday night on the deck at home — which ended up being even more perfect and “us” than the original plan. Since then, life has only gotten busier and better. In October, we welcomed our daughter, Brinley, and between her, our two dogs, and two cats, there’s never a dull moment around our house. When we’re not working — him as a small engine mechanic and me as a nurse — you can usually find us outdoors hunting, fishing, mudding, snowmobiling, or riding ATVs. It feels especially special to celebrate here since I grew up just down the road from the venue. After nearly 13 years together, getting married feels less like a beginning and more like celebrating everything we’ve already built together. We’re so thankful for all of our family and friends who have supported us throughout the years, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.