Our story began in the summer after 6th grade, when we were campers together at Lost Timber Bible Camp. Not only were we both teammates on the same sports team, but we were also the final two to lead our team to victory in rugby that summer! A true bond that was just beginning… even though we both never spoke to each other. In the summers to follow, we would take more notice of one another, and remain teammates on the same sports team. :) I sure had a lot to say about Cole to my friends, especially during our late night cabin chats in our bunks. Cole, on the other hand, as a more reserved and quiet guy, didn’t divulge too much to “the boys” for fear that word might spread about his feelings for me. Even still, he inadvertently revealed his crush one night that summer. He became the center of attention at his table during our Friday night camp banquet dinner. Needless to say, I caught on quickly. Time progressed in between these years of being "just camp crushes" throughout junior high and high school camp weeks. From finishing high school and beginning college, starting new jobs, making new friendships, and going through a season of much change, camp came around the corner again. Cole and I were too old to be campers, but we both returned to be on staff at senior high camp. Actually, I hadn't planned to be involved that particular week, but upon discovering Cole WAS during our staff training weekend, I knew I was going to be there no matter what. After all, Cole was still single, still as cute as ever, and was still such a sweet guy who had a heart for Jesus. Cole was on project staff that week, and I was the camp first aid girl. This time, after the camp week was over, we were both sure this was our time to let our camp crush status become something more. Over the next few months, we talked over long phone calls and went on a few dates that Cole and I called casual "hang outs" at the time. Then in the fall of 2019, Cole asked me to be his girlfriend and we officially started dating! We endured a season of long distance dating for about a year and a half. Even though it was a challenge, we always talk about how much of a treasure this time of life also was - getting to stay at each other’s houses in Pipestone and Minneapolis, and lots of facetimes and phone calls on weeks apart. In the spring of 2021, Cole made his big move to the cities after getting a job offer from a mutual friend to do construction work. It was such an exciting time because it meant no more 4 hour drives to see one another!! The "busyness" of life only picked up more as we navigated a new era of dating. I was studying for nursing boards as Cole began a new full time job. But mostly, we were happy to finally be together only 15 minutes apart. In the fall, Cole and I went with my mom and dad on a spontaneous trip to Zion National Park in Utah. This would become the most precious time we had together with my dad, since the year 2021 ended with the hardest and most shocking loss our family could have ever imagined. My dad went home to be with the Lord. It was during the following long and hard months that Cole remained by my side and with my family through it all. Then 2022 ended with the joy of becoming engaged. Cole proposed in November, shortly before thanksgiving. And now what a journey this engagement has been. We have been planning and making lots of decisions about our life together. We have become the best of friends in such a sweet way. The best part for us is that we know who our Savior is and who is in control of our lives - God, our very loving Father. Great is His faithfulness to us! We can’t quite express how overjoyed we are to be finally married, and for you to come along to celebrate our marriage with us. For now, we just want to say that we are SO EXCITED to see you all on August 20th!! Let's do this thing!! ~Emily and Cole