Her Story: We met on our way to a Chi Alpha retreat, a ministry we both had helped out with since we started college at MSUM and NDSU. I was a part of the team leading worship for the weekend and Dan was asked to play drums. I had heard of Dan, but little did I know we would be where we are now. He didn't know everyone on the team so it was my goal to make him feel welcomed. The whole weekend Dan made me laugh loudly and smile often with all his quirks and humor. Fast forward a few months later after some Facebook messages and posts on my wall, Dan {finally} asked me out for bagels. We hit it off and talked for hours about our passions and dreams--laughing and crying as we talked about worship, missions, Jesus, my love for cats, family, and everything in between. I found myself so caught up in our conversation I forgot that we weren't the only ones there. I remember coming home to my roommates and thinking to myself...I'm done for. Something beautiful happened that day. His Story: It all began one cool September in 2016. I was a junior at NDSU at the time and was involved in a Christian ministry on campus called Chi Alpha (S/O to all my fellow XA'ers!!). I got asked to play drums for a retreat. I accepted and asked who else was on the team. One name mentioned stood out to me - Fate Maxon. I had heard of Fate before, but never had the chance to meet her. Within a few weeks the retreat had arrived and to my pleasant surprise, Fate sat next to me on the 3 hour drive there. Fast forward a few weeks: unsure of what exactly was going on, I found himself daydreaming of this girl FREQUENTLY; in the office, at school, at home...pretty much anywhere a person can daydream! After some pep talks, encouragement from close friends, and a couple hype songs to get me amped for my big moment (oh, and almost three months of time) - I finally mustered up the courage to ask Fate out on a real date. From there, the rest is history.

It was the first weekend of autumn, the best season ever if you ask Fate. Dan knew that Fate had been very excited for the change of the season and the beauty of all it brings. He told Fate that he wanted to throw her a fall party to celebrate with friends and take a break from the busy life of her last semester of college. Simply oblivious of the real reason, she said yes and let him plan the party with her roommates and friends. On the day of the party, Dan showed up with a giant box of memories and asked if Fate wanted to go for a drive. He had envelopes in the box with hints of places we've been. We drove around memory lane and finally arrived at one of our favorite parks. After chasing each other through trees and hiking paths, Dan took Fate's hand and sang to her as they danced in an open field in the park. Dan popped the question right after and of course the answer was "YES!" Fate was totally surprised! Not only that but the Fall party was really a surprise engagement party.