It's cliché, but we'd both agree we knew the moment we met, that it was meant to be. You could say fate brought us together but I'll let you be the judge. It all started with a swipe to the right... Yes, our first initial encounter was when we matched on Tinder. The last place we thought we'd possibly find that special someone. So much so, Bryce was going to delete the app the day I popped up on his feed. To his surprise, we matched! It wasn't until Bryce followed me on Instagram that I reached out to grab a coffee and take some photos (since it was a mutual interest). It's hard to explain, but we both had a good feeling before we even met. I say that because we honestly didn't chat much leading up to our first "date". So much so, we didn't even know if we were on an official first date or not! (Usually you'd get to know someone a little better before agreeing to meet up with someone in person) It was June 16th, 2018. A beautiful summer morning in Milwaukee, WI. I arrived a few minutes before Bryce so I sat outside Colectivo by the lakefront, at our now historic table drinking an iced coffee. As soon as Bryce came into view, we made eye contact immediately from across the street. Bryce walked up to me and we briefly exchanged hellos before Bryce went inside to get a coffee for himself. We would both say, our voices sounded different than expected, but in a good way. When Bryce returned, we just effortlessly started chatting and didn't stop. It was like catching up with an old friend. We both met at perfect times in our lives and were ready for something serious. An instant overwhelming sense of comfort and knowing this person is different than anyone else we met before is where I'd say, it was fate. After coffee, we took a long walk, took photos, and enjoyed each other's company. (We still have photos from that day hanging in our house to this day) Once our "date" came to an end, I didn't hesitate to immediately text Bryce to plan another date. Of course Bryce was interested as well. Ever since, we spent almost every weekend together until we moved in together in November 2020.

The day before, I told Kelli we should get up early and grab a coffee in the morning. I was a bit more anxious that morning and it came off as a little suspicious. I didn't tell Kelli where we were going, but I drove to the Colectivo at the lakefront in Milwaukee. (Where we first met) She said it was a nice surprise. We parked in the parking lot by the lake and starting walking there. Before we crossed the street, I pulled out the first letter of ten from my backpack and handed it to Kelli. That letter kicked off our walk down memory lane... #1 - Across for Colectivo - Where we first made eye contact. #2 - At Colectivo - Where we had our first "date" and knew we were different than anyone else we met before. #3 - Milwaukee Art Museum - Where we had our second date and we discovered we had the same sense of humor. #4 - Under the Bridge - Where we had our first kiss after the 3rd date. #5 - Public Market - Where many of our dates in Milwaukee ended up at. #6 - Riverwalk - Where we have spent so many hours of our lives walking up and down the Riverwalk learning about each other. #7 - Photography - A shared hobby of ours that we spent a lot of time doing downtown Milwaukee together. #8 - Reflecting - Where I asked Kelli to marry me. (Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee) "...And now, while we overlook the city that made us, this is where I ask you to marry me." #9 - Eagle Park (Bonus Letter)- Where our love for craft beer started and we had a celebratory drink! #10 - Home (Bonus Letter)- Where we started building our lives together and will continue to do so. Home is wherever we are together! The moment Kelli got the first note, she knew what was happening. I took her on a trip down memory lane leading up to the proposal. Don't worry - she said yes!