Brad and Audrey matched on tinder in March 2018. They had a few mutual friends since they both went to Augustana. About a week after matching, Audrey picked up Brad in her car and the couple went on their first date to Salvation Army (broke). They then went back to campus and walked around, taking a few pictures in the CORE office, using a LinkedIn backdrop that had been hanging up. Later, the couple walked back to Audrey’s TLA apartment in Swanson Hall and watched the critically acclaimed film, The Room (2003). With activities as simple as these, this was still the most fun time. Plus Fiona was immediately obsessed with Brad.

Audrey moved to Iowa City for graduate school and thus began the couple’s long-distance stretch that would continue for the next 2.5 years. Brad and Audrey visited each other in many new cities during this time including Rock Island, Plainfield, and Schaumburg, IL; Iowa City, Des Moines, Waterloo, IA; Hayward, and Eagle River, WI; and Charlottesville, VA.

Brad took a long-term job in Cedar Falls, IA so it seemed like the appropriate time to move in together. Audrey and Fiona met Brad in Waterloo, IA in their first apartment together.

We welcomed our elderly bundle of joy and ring bearer, Falcon Rose-Lathrop, to the family. He quickly grew to love Fiona and the rest of the family.

Brad suggested to Audrey that they go back to Augustana’s campus, where they spent their first dates, and take some pictures while the trees were extra beautiful for Fall. Audrey had some suspicions about what might happen that day but Brad still completely blew her away with his poetic words as he asked her to marry him right next to the slough path. After saying yes, Brad and Audrey decided to get a drink together at Radical Effect to celebrate before a nice dinner. When they walked in, they were met with a huge group of family and friends, many of whom made the drive to the Quad Cities just for this celebration. It was one of the couple’s most happy days together yet.

After months of planning, this couple’s love story will culminate in a celebration with all of their loved ones. This is only the beginning of a lifetime of love, respect, gratitude, and genuine partnership. We can’t wait to see you all there!