Though we started dating in May of 2015, our story really begins during our childhood summer breaks, attending the same camp as each other where we struck up a genuine friendship. We’d bond over important topics such as dodgeball and games of M*A*S*H. This transitioned into large group dates at the movie theater during our middle school years, us awkwardly exchanging a few words and maybe a hug. During our high school years we ran in different circles, which has allowed us to playfully give each other a hard time: her never attending any of my school plays, me never attending any of her softball games. Next came college where we went our separate ways; Emily to Ames and me to Kansas City, where we were both able to grow, make life-long friends, and separately decide we wanted to be educators. Following graduation, we both settled back into our hometown of Des Moines where we set out to start our adult lives and our careers. Then, on one fateful night in early April 2015, these two star-crossed lovers met once again, but this time at a very fine and sophisticated establishment: Johnny’s Hall of Fame on Court Ave. I was lucky enough to get her number that night, and an invite to hangout the following evening, which happened to be a birthday celebration for Emily’s sister and future Maid of Honor/Wedding Officiant, Becca. In the couple of weeks to come, I knew Emily was special and we soon started dating. Only two weeks into our relationship, I asked her to come to Kansas City with me and my family to attend a college graduation ceremony of mine. I knew that if she could survive a weekend with the Kansas City crew and a group of parents she had just met, she really was the real deal. I quickly fell in love with her, her spirit, and how she treated people. The rest is history! From there, we’ve grown so much, buying a house, completing grad school together, adopting our dog, Moose, just to name a few. We are so excited for what is to come next!

After months of planning, sweating, and preparing (shout-out to Becca and all the moms for all their help!) the day of our engagement had arrived: October 12th, 2019. As far as Emily knew, this was a weekend where her Aunt Peggy from Fredericksburg, Texas was coming to town for a visit, which was a reason to celebrate in and of itself. The plan was to meet at a favorite local spot, The High Life Lounge, for a cocktail before dinner at Echo Valley. This, of course, was just a ruse and a great reason for us to get dressed up for the engagement. My plan was to propose on the Des Moines Red Bridge (yes, that’s the real name of it), which is just one block away from The High Life Lounge. Being that their parking lot is always full, I knew it would be likely that we would have to park by the bridge anyway, but of course, on this day, the parking lot was almost entirely empty. I fumbled my words and told her that since this was such a beautiful day outside, that we should park by the Red Bridge and walk. This was a little confusing considering it was a windy, somewhat chilly October day. Since Emily was already rolling with my questionable suggestions, it didn’t take much more convincing to walk across the bridge, whereupon I got down on one knee and popped the big question. That night we had an incredible celebration with friends and family and we felt completely overwhelmed with all of the love that we received.