We started our careers at a consulting firm in Madison, WI on the same day. Many of us young engineers were from out of town and gathered often for trivia nights, pickleball, hockey games, and beer. We began talking one day after lunch when I drove Dakota back to his car. The years went by and we formed lifetime friendships.

After moving to Michigan to be with family, we took a trip back to Madison celebrate my birthday weekend. One of our favorite spots there is a botanical garden called Olbrich. We spent our first date and many weekends over the years walking the trails. He popped the question at nighttime under a tree lit with 14,000 sparkling lights.