In the summer of 2018, some of us on campus went to Collin's cabin in Wisconsin for a lake day. While we were all sitting around the table about to play some games, the topic of David's hair came up. He grew it out for his infamous William Wallace Halloween costume, and he didn't know what to do with it in the meantime. Even though David and I knew each other, we never really talked before; I blurted out, "Can I try to braid your hair?" thus beginning our beautiful friendship. After that, every event we were at together, I could always count on David to find me so I could braid his hair. Then to all of our surprise, he buzzed it ALL off! Honestly, I was nervous our friendship might collapse because now what do we do?! But luckily, we built a solid foundation on God and had a great friendship already established. Much to my comfort since I was SUPER interested in him by then. - Kaylie Spot on! The only thing I would add was that I was oblivious to her growing feelings for me. - David

By the spring of 2019, my internship with the Campus ministry was coming to a close, and it was time to start looking for a more permanent career position. Since I wasn't in a serious relationship at the time, I opened my options to out-of-state locations, and within a few weeks, I had a job offer in Elburn, Illinois, that I could not refuse. At this point, David and I were still getting to know each other, and our interest in each other was gradually growing. So, while we were on a double date to an art museum, he asked if we could stay connected while I was in Illinois and if we could get some intentional time together before I left. I played it cool, but in my mind, I was like, "HECK YES!". Almost every week, we went to different spots on campus to go hammocking and shared many stories, and laughter and man, did my interest GROW! Once it came time for me to leave, a part of me knew I had to go but was also super disappointed that I was moving away from David. Once I got settled in, we would skype every week and call every so often. As always, God took excellent care of us and had a plan for each of us to grow in our character and relationship with Him before we started our dating relationship. And I'm so glad He did! - Kaylie What an amazing few months! I had never pursued a relationship before, so I tried to get all the advice I could because I didn't want to screw this up. The best advice that I got was to have fun and enjoy the time. From all the things listed above, we had a great time steadily growing our interest in each other. - David

By May, my heart was SOLD. I was looking for any excuse to visit Minnesota. And what better opportunity to visit than David's birthday, which conveniently fell on the same weekend as Memorial day, so I had an extra day off of work. I took the trip, and with some help from Bill and Carole, I spent time loads of time with David and friends at his birthday dinner, memorial day party, and our morning coffee time. I specifically remember how hard it was to drive back home after that. I didn't know when I would be able to see him again! Little did I know what he had planned for just a few days later. - Kaylie I had initially thought to wait and ask her to be my girlfriend around the end of Summer, but that Memorial weekend trip flipped that idea out the window. Within three days, I had made plans to surprise her by driving to DeKalb with my dad and asking her there. And I also made an effort to talk to her dad, which was nerve-racking and an excellent step in getting to know Kaylie's parents more. Mackenzie (Kaylie's roommate) loved the idea and was a massive help in the whole setup. Now the part that stood out to me was Kaylie's response after I asked her: well... first she asked if she could hold my hand, but after that, she wanted to pray. That heart to keep God at the center of our relationship is a big reason why I asked her to be my girlfriend and later my wife. - David

We have been long-distance throughout our entire relationship, except for the summer of 2020 when David lived in Dekalb for a few months. Even though long-distance comes with many struggles, it also was an excellent opportunity for us to intentionally connect every week for our skype Tues-dates and make the most out of the time when we were able to see each other. We received so much help and input from countless couples, like Sarah and Andrew Emerson, who were long-distance and could relate to the struggles. Now we can say with confidence that distance can make the heart grow fonder.

A day after Tia Polimary's wedding, Kaylie was still in her "Maid of Honor mode" and had some last-minute errands before meeting up with David. Everything seemed normal. They had breakfast and a quiet time together, and then they had to figure out somewhere to go before Kaylie had to head back to Illinois. She suggested the Stone Arch Bridge, but David wasn't feeling it, so she suggested Minnehaha Falls, which David agreed would work. On the way, Kaylie did not catch that David's choice of music was all songs that were special to their relationship. Once they arrived at the falls, they walked over to the overlook and spotted a proposal, at which Kaylie yelled, "Look! We're witnessing an engagement!". Then David replied, "This a good place to propose." Did Kaylie think that was suspicious at all?... Nope! As they kept walking, Kaylie was more focused on not slipping on the snow while David was focused on leading her to the same arch that they have had pictures taken together from their first date and first anniversary. Then the first rose came into view, the same rose that he gave her at the wedding the night before. That's when she knew her whole life was about to change. It was perfect, and nothing could hold back the tears! After he proposed, the surprises kept coming! Carole, Ben, Bryant, and Shelley jumped out from behind statues and trees with cameras at the ready for an impromptu photoshoot, Kaylie found out that her boss already knew this was planned so she could stay an extra day and David had asked for her parents' blessings all the way back in November! Once the plans for the rest of the evening were in place, David and Kaylie went back to the car where they prayed for the first time as an engaged couple; asking God to bless their marriage and to guide them throughout this new chapter in their lives, that they may glorify Him, and that they both may grow closer to Him as they grow closer together.