Like most Spartans, Alex and Grace met at Michigan State. It was a beautiful late-summer evening on Munn field and the MSU meet-and-greet event, Sparticipation, was in full swing. Alex made the bike ride to show his support for the club Ultimate Frisbee team, and shortly after arriving, he spotted a cute Scuba Club president in the next booth over. Throughout the evening there was certainly some interest shown on both sides, but Alex can be rather shy, and never did ask for her name or phone number. Grace remembers being surprised and a little disappointed that he didn't ask. Luckily, all of Alex's Frisbee friends said he was crazy for not asking her for her phone number. Alex, being the sleuth he is, found Grace through the Scuba Club's Facebook page. Seeing her blue eyes left him no choice but to reach out. With a deep breath, Alex sent a message thinking it was worth the shot in the dark. The next day, Alex was greeted with a message from Grace, and they soon began building the strong relationship they have today.

Short's Fest weekend was approaching soon. With one of Grace and Alex's favorite breweries throwing the party, they wanted to do all they could to get up to Elk Rapids, Michigan. Elk Rapids has held a special place in Grace's heart since she was a child. Taking frequent vacations and family getaways up north was always an important part of Grace's life. Alex has grown to love the small northern Michigan town, and thought it would be the perfect place to create yet another memory. After arriving and spending some time on a nearby lake, Grace suggested heading into town. Alex was relieved at the suggestion, since he couldn't bare the idea of waiting another day to ask Grace to marry him. After strolling through some local shops, they came upon the small white bridge Alex was eagerly awaiting to cross. As they reached the middle of the bridge, Alex said a few words, and got down on one knee. From there, the newly-engaged couple shared a cup of ice cream. Their first date was an ice cream date, so it was only fitting to celebrate the next chapter the same way.