We're getting married!

Our story began at Wayne State College during our sophomore year. I first met his brother who was dating my roommate and best friend. Through them, I got to know his family, and they were quick to suggest that we would make a great couple, which we would just laugh off. We ended up in the same friend group and stayed friends for a long time before finally admitting we had a crush on each other. The rest is history!

After spending so much time together in our friend group, it became clear to everyone around us that there was something special between us. His family had been nudging us to date for a while, and during a family vacation to Colorado, it finally happened. One night, we went to a bar and started playing pool. Brayden joked that if I beat him in a game, I could be his girlfriend. It turned out to be the best game I’ve ever played, and I won! Brayden insists he let me win, but I don’t think he did. I haven’t won a game against him since.

Brayden asked me to marry him on top of Happy Jack Peak near Scotia, Nebraska, the same place where my dad proposed to my mom. It was a long-awaited moment that couldn’t have been more perfect. Brayden got down on one knee and asked the question that would change our lives forever. It was everything I had hoped for and a memory we’ll treasure forever.

These days, we’re building a life together in Atkinson with our new puppy, Ripley, who keeps us on our toes and fills our home with joy. Brayden is working in O’Neill as a probation officer, while I’m teaching 5th and 6th grade reading at West Holt Public Schools. We’re loving this chapter of our lives, filled with work we’re passionate about and plenty of adventures with Ripley.