We're getting married!

I always find it a little difficult to answer when people ask us, "How did you two meet?". It should be pretty straightforward. Right? Kind of. But it's infinitely more interesting when you have the entire story (and know about all the times that we didn't meet). Cole and I attended the University of Missouri Columbia and had overlapping friend groups. We even had similar majors, and were in some of the same classes. From the outside looking in, it seems like we would have been destined to cross paths during those years, to get to know each other, and maybe even to form a relationship of some kind - as friends or as something more. But we never did. For whatever reason, although we knew of each other, we never really KNEW each other. Four years passed in a flash, and it seemed like maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Our time at Mizzou was over, and we were each ready to set off on our next big adventure. After graduating, both following vastly different paths and missing what might have been our only chance, we somehow both landed in Kansas City. I had just gotten my first "real" job, and Cole was continuing his education. We lived less than 15 minutes away from each other. We shopped at the same grocery store. Some of our friends knew each other. We probably frequented the same restaurants. I know what you're thinking - this must be where it all began! But no. Somehow, yet again, nothing came of it. Neither of us even knew that we lived in the same city. In early 2020, COVID shut the city down, and between that and two busy schedules, it seemed like again, maybe it just wasn't in the cards. Not long after that, we each left Kansas City to pursue other opportunities. I moved to Lake of the Ozarks to join my family's business. Cole moved to Columbia to start his new career. Somehow in relatively close proximity to one another yet again. Third time must ACTUALLY be the charm! I had lived at the lake for quite some time but was feeling lonely. I hadn't dated in a while and didn't even know where to begin, but was interested in meeting someone. In the modern age of dating, the apps are all the rage. I was hesitant to try them out but figured it couldn't hurt to see what was out there. I had heard success stories from friends and talked myself into making a profile. After nearly a week of left swipes and NO indications that my person was on some silly dating app, I was about ready to throw in the towel. But just as I was ready to give up, someone's profile caught my attention. Cole's friends had set up an account for him without his knowledge (initially) - his secret wingmen that I am forever grateful for. I clicked through his profile and found myself intrigued. He seemed vaguely familiar and even had a picture with a mutual friend of ours. I cautiously swiped right, "shooting my shot", as the kids say. To my surprise, it was a match. My first and only match on the app. And that's how it all began. We messaged for a while before he asked me on a date. I said yes, and knew immediately after that this was something special. We had talked for hours at the restaurant, until the staff told us that we had to leave. It was closing time. We were the only two diners left. Two and a half years later, he proposed to me at the very same restaurant. And now we are here, planning our wedding. As much as I wonder about what would be different if we had crossed paths earlier, I think we met at the perfect time. We were both ready for something serious, both at a point in our lives where we knew exactly what we wanted out of a relationship. We had both matured and grown since college and had exciting futures to look forward to. For each of us, that future was only missing one piece - someone to share it with. I could write a million more sappy things but I'll end it with this - we are so excited to start this new chapter together and to celebrate with all of you.