As seems to be the common way to meet these days, we met online. Our story truly begins on May 6, while on a flight back from visiting his younger brother, Sam, in New York City. While at the airport, Thad decided to take a chance on me and send the first "hello". We haven't stopped talking since. Our first date was a brewery tour of what have now become some of our favorite spots in Minneapolis. If I'm being honest though, I thought about not going on this date. I was afraid of the outcome. I recall discussing the date with some of my friends (who I am grateful did not let me bail!) as well as a colleague where I told her "either I am going to meet him and he is going to be so weird that we never talk again, or I'm going to have to be with him forever". You see, early on we had so much in common that I knew this was something special. I knew Thad was someone I really wanted in my life. Thank goodness he only ended up being a little weird... Since that day we have been on countless adventures, some of the best picnics imaginable, and survived many long drives together. I will forever be grateful for that first "hello" he offered out to me on that day in early May.

I am terrible at surprises- I can't keep a secret. Thad, on the other hand, is way too good at them. In early January, Thad selected a date on our calendar and told me he was planning a trip and I should request that Friday off from work; maybe even buy a new dress. Of course my inquiring mind wanted to know: What we were doing? Where were we going? North? South? What was this for? Each question I asked him only made him take more pride in being sly. I got nothing out of him over the next few months. Incredibly frustrating to me if you know my need to be in the know, always... Shortly before, a trip down to Janesville, WI was made to celebrate my Mother's birthday. She may think the mani/pedi date was for her, but it was really my opportunity to ask "So, has Thad mentioned anything to you about what we're doing next weekend?" When she said "no" that little voice in my head that wondered if maybe he'd propose went away. Surely she'd know what we were doing if he was planning that- and my mother is NOT a good liar. Her face would give it away. March 6th rolled around, and we woke up early to get on our way. Destination put in to the phone, phone turned away so I could not see. Still frustrated. Still Proud. Much to my excitement, our first stop was a brewery in Duluth, Bent Paddle, where we got a few drinks, enjoyed amazing BBQ, and sat by the fireplace. As we continued our drive my mind tried to narrow down where we could possibly be going. When Abby asked what we were up to, then I really knew he could not be proposing- Thad would be in trouble if she didn't know! Our destination ended up being the same place we went on our first adventure together: Grand Marais. Thad had found this adorable airbnb with an amazing view of the lake. After making my favorite breakfast, we walked out on the rocks as far as we could go. He then asked me if I would take his picture. (?!!) As I did, he fumbled around for the ring and then asked my favorite surprise ever.

January 30, 2021 may not have looked like we thought it would when we started our wedding planning journey, but it could not have been more perfect. We were lucky enough to have an intimate wedding with a guest list of 15 immediate family members and an officiate who has always been like family to us. With such a small guest list, it truly reminded us of the reason for the day. We were making a promise to each other and those family members in the room with us. We were promising to love and care for each other, as well as respect each other and every relationship in the room. We were able to spend quality time with our families and really be present in those conversations. Covid may have reduced our guest list, prevented us from serving food at our venue, and required the need for color coordinated satin masks, but in the end, Covid gave us the gift of a day we will never forget.