Neither of us would have expected to meet a potential future spouse at the gym, but here we are! We both joined an indoor rock climbing gym around the same time and had similar schedules for a few months. We'd see each other in K-State gear but neither was brave enough to make the first move. Then one day in October 2023, Matthew was standing near a route Hannah wanted to climb. Wanting to be polite, she asked him what he was working on, so she wouldn't be in his way. He took that as an invitation to start up a whole conversation. Hannah invited Matthew to climb with her and her friend that evening. They climbed together only a few more times before Matthew decided he needed to ask this girl out.

In classic Wisconsin fashion, Hannah suggested the first date location: Culvers. Maybe it's not the fanciest place for a first date, but where else would we have been able to sit and talk uninterrupted for nearly 3 hours? And of course we had to have a good 30 minute discussion on our theological differences! Theology at Culvers pretty much sums up the tone of our relationship! We had some of the classic dates too: mini golf, axe throwing, seeing the Nutcracker ballet at the Kaufmann Center for Performing Arts, etc. Over the next few months we would meet each other's families, take a few road trips together and go on lots of adventures (letting Piper tag along sometimes too). We took a trip down to Texarkana to watch the eclipse in April and visit Matthew's friends. Matthew got to experience his very first sheep show when he tagged along for the All-American show in Michigan. He picked up some sheep handling skills impressively quick! The relationship really took off from the start and we haven't looked back since!

We had made the decision to get married together back in early August and shortly after we went to look at rings. But then it was all in Matthew's hands. In visiting with family, Matthew discovered that his Grandmother's engagement ring was the perfect style for Hannah. Once he acquired the ring, Matthew made dinner reservations in downtown Parkville for September 21st at a nice Italian restaurant. After dinner, Matthew suggested a walk in the park down the street along the Missouri river. When they got to a little scenic overlook, Matthew waited for the conversation to hit a natural pause. It was at that point that he craftily brought the conversation around to marriage, turned and took the ring out of his pocket, and getting down on one knee, asked the big question. It was the perfect, peaceful, romantic spot to kick off the next chapter of our lives. And now we can't wait to celebrate our love with you in May!