Middle School Grace always had a crush on Matthew. Some of her first memories of Matt were watching him play basketball with friends. Let's be honest...she only went to watch him and he didn't even know who she was!

Grace's crush for Matt only got stronger, but her skills for talking to boys continued to decline. However, thanks to Mrs. Marshall and Pre-Calc, we got paired up together in class. We both agree it was probably because Matthew could use some help...

We didn't run into each other again until Grace started college. We were both with our own friends at Key Largo on Lake Shetek. Let's just say Grace got a little too much liquid courage and approached Matt. We talked about the house and drank lots of water. We didn't have our first date until later in the summer and after Ashleigh Steinbach convinced us to meet up. Grace then ended up being the sober driver to the Cottonwood street dance for Matt's friends. After spending more time together, we both realized that we should give this a try. School started and Grace spent many weekends with Matt in Sioux City. Matthew finally and awkwardly asked Grace out after a date at Crave. After the date, Matthew's teammates and friends were patiently waiting at their college house for the news.

2024 was the year we spent getting to know each other better and spending more time with each other's families. Matthew graduated college and transitioned into working his first full-time job at BitGo in Sioux Falls. We had lots of date nights at The Attic and many evenings with Barrel House for happy hour drinks.

This was the year that Matt popped the question! He planned a surprise "dinner date" in Marshall. To Grace's surprise we pulled up to a studio space where Ashtin was waiting inside to take pictures. Matthew planned a beautiful engagement and our families put together the best party with friends and family afterwards. The rest of the year has been busy with planning for our big day and adopting our sweet pup, Mila!