'tis the season to be married!

The story of AimeeAnne and Chase began in December of 2020 with a simple message exchanged online—one that brought together two paths that bridged hundreds of miles, multiple states, and two decades of life lived separately. What started as a cute hello quickly became something neither of them could have expected. In the days and weeks that followed, those first sweet texts turned into long phone calls and hours spent FaceTiming late into the night—watching movies together, sharing music, sharing stories about their lives, revealing and learning each other’s hearts despite hundred miles between them. Fast forward to spring—AimeeAnne had planned to stay in Arizona for her spring break, but God had other plans. A doctor’s appointment brought her home to Tennessee, and Chase immediately recognized the chance to finally meet his favorite person face-to-face. After some convincing, both families agreed on a plan: Chase would pick Aimee up from the airport bringing the two together in person for the first time, just the two of them. On that April day in 2021—four months after their story began—Chase drove three hours east to BNA while AimeeAnne flew over three hours to Nashville from Phoenix, each of them privately carrying the same overpowering mix of nerves, anticipation, and excitement. After a few extra laps around the terminal (Chase had to make sure she was REAL!), they finally found each other, surrounded by the chaos of busy travelers. It was like a scene straight out of a romantic comedy—the 6'8" guy realizing in that moment just how beautiful she was, and the girl realizing in that same moment just how tall 6'8" actually is. From the airport, Chase took AimeeAnne straight to meet her parents—because why wouldn't you meet the girl of your dreams and her family on the same day? Soon after, AimeeAnne met Chase’s family too. With every day that followed and each new moment shared, their connection only deepened, falling not just for one another but for the paths and the people who made them who they are. Their connection that began across distance and through screens quickly became a love that has only grown stronger over time. Nearly five years later, that first airport moment has turned into a lifetime of laughter, growth, and an easy, enduring love — and the best part of the story is still ahead.

For months, Chase had been quietly planning the perfect proposal — he had the ring of her dreams, and he knew exactly where it had to happen: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, AimeeAnne’s favorite place in the world. Ever since she was little, she had dreamed of getting engaged in the gazebo by the water, and Chase was determined to make that childhood dream come true. What AimeeAnne didn’t know was that, behind the scenes, Chase had launched a full-scale family operation to make their dream proposal in Aimee’s favorite place surrounded by their favorite people come true. Chase later admitted he was more nervous to talk to her dad than to actually propose! And of course, true to his PTA roots, he spent time in the bathroom practicing kneeling down and stretching beforehand — commitment at its finest! Meanwhile, AimeeAnne remained blissfully unaware. She’d hoped this summer might be the one, but she had no idea just how much planning, coordinating, and scheming was already in motion. To pull off the surprise, Chase enlisted the help of AimeeAnne’s mom, Janice, whose job was to distract her with a casual trip to Walmart before their supposed dinner reservation — a reservation Chase had made up to intentionally throw her off. While Aimee and Janice were gone to Walmart, Chase quietly welcomed his family who had arrived in Lake Geneval all the way from Tennessee. With help from both families, they rushed to transform the lakefront gazebo, decorating it beautifully with rose petals from Chase’s own backyard in West Tennessee, favorite photos, and sentimental mementos from throughout their relationship. When AimeeAnne and Janice returned, Chase was waiting on the side of the house, claiming there was a “bald eagle sitting on top of the gazebo.” Naturally, there was no eagle — just the beginning of the moment she’d dreamed of since childhood. As they approached the gazebo, everything fell into place. Chase poured his heart out, got down on one knee, and asked AimeeAnne to spend forever with him. She said yes — and then Chase revealed one more surprise: his family had driven over nine hours to be there for the big moment. After the proposal, the Daniels, the Wodkas, the future Mr. and Mrs., and her cousin Jason celebrated with a dreamy boat ride around the lake, listening to Taylor Swift love songs on repeat. Meanwhile, Uncle Bob, Aunt Del, Becky, Kaitlyn, Brody, Alex, and Cameron were back at the house preparing an amazing dinner filled with all of their favorites. The night was spent sharing stories, calling loved ones, eating incredible food, and soaking up the magic, warmth, and joy of the best day ever — the day they officially began forever.