Carly started a small group for single young adults looking to find community during a similar season of life. When Tristan moved to Kansas City, he joined the group—and the connection between us was undeniable (as many group members later confirmed). However, Carly wasn’t ready to pursue anything right away. That all changed thanks to her dad, Jeff, who saw love at first sight, and texted her during church: “Who’s the new guy in cowboy boots?” He went on to encourage her, saying, “Pull up your big-girl pants and go on a date with him.” Our first date was on April Fools’ Day, and Tristan loves to joke that “it’s been a sick joke ever since.” ;)

Secrets are nearly impossible to keep from Carly, so Tristan knew he had his work cut out for him. With help from Carly’s friend Elli, he planned the perfect distraction for the day, though Carly had a strong suspicion that something was up. By the end of the day, however, there were no signs of an engagement happening, so she agreed to go to dinner and a Halloween party with Elli and Tristan. When Carly and Elli arrived at her parents’ house to meet Tristan, Elli led her to the field behind the house. There, about 25 yards away, Tristan was waiting by a split-rail cedar fence he had built himself. In front of the fence lay a cowhide rug, with a sunflower lasso wreath hanging above it. Pictures of us throughout the years lined the walkway leading up to him. Carly was so surprised that she forgot to walk until Tristan motioned for her to come closer. When she reached the fence, Tristan read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and popped the question! The surprises didn’t stop there—Carly was soon joined by her best friend from Arkansas, her sister from Canada, extended family, and a house full of friends, all ready to celebrate. We spent the night eating s'mores, spraying champagne, and soaking in the joy. We can’t wait to do it all again on our wedding day!

We couldn’t wait to get married and start our lives together, so we ran off to New Mexico and eloped at White Sands National Park! The views were breathtaking, and the time together was so sweet and unique. But we couldn’t imagine celebrating this next chapter without you, which is why we’re doing it all again in August!