Nearly five years ago, two young adults were living it up with their friends in downtown Minneapolis. Jake’s humor and determination won Kate’s attention for the night. Over the course of 3 weeks, Jake and Kate spent most of their time driving between St. Paul and Champlin to see each other. Neither of them realized how serious their feelings were, until Kate had to move back to Chicago just before Christmas. Jake texted Kate every day that she lived in Illinois, and Kate made monthly trips back to Minnesota. Finally, after 5 months, Kate surprised Jake on his birthday and announced that she had moved back to St Paul. From that point on, they were inseparable.

Her Perspective: I had told Jake weeks prior that I wanted to see the holiday lights at the arboretum, so I was happy when he surprised me with the night out. We walked through so many romantic displays and Jake continued to tell me how much he loved me. I couldn't help but think 'could this be THE night?!', but then Jake was so calm & I thought nope this isn't THAT night. Jake suggested we take a picture at a white tower display. When I got to the top, I realized Jake was still at the bottom of the stairs, on one knee. The ring sparkling in the lights. I cried instantly! His Perspective: Let's just start out with I was nervous. Not about what her response would be, but from how it would go and if I could keep the ring hidden enough where she wouldn't catch on. With the ring in my coat pocket, the evening was filled with a bunch of awkward side hugs, as to not to be detected. I knew I wanted to propose at the arboretum because I knew it would be beautiful because of the holiday lights. True to my nature, I planned the location, but winged the 'how' and 'when' part. When we got to the arboretum, we ran into a little snag when I learned the 3 mile lights display was closed for the evening. I played it cool and knew it was okay, because there was still plenty to see. We walked around for awhile looking at various displays, & got hot apple cider and a warm cookie to share. The whole time I was looking around trying to find the right spot to propose. Then I saw it-a little white tower with stairs going up to a deck & it was covered in lights. I took my time dilly-dallying around waiting for people to clear away. Once it was clear, we headed over. I let Kate walk up the stairs ahead of me while I stayed at the bottom, took out the ring, and dropped to one knee. Once she got to the top she turned around looking as beautiful as ever. The surprise worked! She came down the stairs to meet me, and I got choked up - barley being able to spit out the words, "Will you marry me?"