We first met on a dating app called Bumble. After matching and chatting for about a week, Sam asked me out on a date. We went to Ninja in downtown Eau Claire, WI for dinner, and afterward, we wandered down to Phoenix Park, where Music in the Park happens every Thursday during the summer. We found a spot on the grass, listening to local artists while the sun set over river. Eventually, we wandered across the pretty bridge, taking in the peaceful view and the moment. That’s when one of us (guess who!) promised the other, “I’m going to go and catch you a duck.” To this day, I still owe him that duck! 🦆

We were in Minneapolis, MN, celebrating our five-year anniversary. Sam had plans for us to go to the Como Zoo & Conservatory to attend a private VIP access to the Conservatory. He told me we were going to something called “An Evening with the Flowers” and that other couples also paid to have a private showing of the Conservatory. We got dressed up as it was a romantic date night, and there was going to be a photographer taking pictures of couples as part of the package. Well, when I got there, we were directed to the Sunken Garden, and it was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. I went to turn around to tell Sam how it reminded me of the Spring Court in one of my favorite book series, and when I turned around, Sam was on one knee with a ring box in his hand. I was shocked and, of course, ugly cried as he read off the most beautiful statement before asking me to be his wife. While all of this was going on, a photographer had popped out and captured our special moment. After I accepted my ring and Sam helped wipe my tears away, he explained how he rented out the whole conservatory and hired a photographer to shoot our engagement pictures. It was the most magical and beautiful moment of my life!