It was a Friday night during the fall of Caitlyn's senior year and Jakob's junior year at Portage High School. There was an away football game at Baraboo High School where Jakob would be playing tight end and defensive end and Caitlyn would be watching, and cheering very loudly, from the stands. Caitlyn had been "crushing" on Jakob for quite some time and, despite Jakob having no idea this was the case, had noticed Caitlyn since they were in middle school together. On that Friday night, Jakob and his team went on to win the game against their rival school, and with a little encouragement from friends, Caitlyn went on to win the heart of Jakob through some incredibly awkward Twitter messages. The two began to talk as if they had been talking their entire lives and on the night of Homecoming, September 26, 2015, during the first slow dance, Jakob asked Caitlyn "Will you be my girlfriend?" to which Caitlyn responded "Of course" with the biggest smile on her face.

Seven years and eight months later, on May 28, 2023... Jakob prepared to ask Caitlyn another important question. The two were out at the Portage Boat Club for Memorial Day Weekend, as they frequently spent Holiday Weekends at their favorite place. As the sun was beginning to set, Jakob asked Caitlyn to take a sunset boat ride with him on Swan Lake. She eagerly responded "Yes", as this was one of her favorite things to do (although not before trying to invite everyone else sitting there with them to go along to which they quickly responded "No thanks" as they knew what Jakob had been planning). As they traveled along the lake, watching the sun fall behind the trees and water, Jakob stopped the boat and turned on the song they planned to have as their first dance song when they got married. Jakob turned to Caitlyn, got down on one knee, and pulled out a box containing Caitlyn's dream ring as he spoke the most beautiful words describing their love. He ended his profession of love with "Will you marry me?" to which again she responded "Of course" with an even bigger smile on her face.

Through their final years at Portage High School, six years of distance throughout College, anticipated Summer breaks, graduations, new careers, two fur babies, and many memories made together- these two have conquered every challenge, celebrated every success, and loved each other more with every day. They could not be more thrilled for this next chapter of life together, and are so excited to celebrate their love with family and friends on 07/12/2025.