In Spring 2015, we took the same Research Methods class . Of course, I was the social butterfly and Cole was the quiet student. We didn't talk to each other for the entire semester! The semester had just ended and we both were out with friends one night. Cole spotted me from across the room and had enough courage to approach me. He was surprised at how friendly I was. Then blossomed our friendship, and man was he patient. We were friends until 2017, when I had to make the move and reveal my true feelings. I still remember the butterflies in my stomach when I realized I thought of him more than a friend. Luckily, he shared the same feelings! The rest is history.

For the past 3 years, Heidi and I would go to the south shore of Lake Superior in August for our summer vacation. While down there we would visit this beautiful, unique beach down the road from her grandma’s cabin that not many people know about. We would spend hours there tanning, swimming, kayaking, and drinking Spotted Cow. It quickly became our special place. When I was thinking of where I wanted to propose, this beach was the first place that came to mind. I had the ring custom made based on what I know Heidi likes and kept it a secret for months. I even secretly put one of her rings on my finger to make sure I could get the right size without having to ask. Every now and then she’d show me pictures on Pinterest or Facebook of rings she’d like, to which I would brush off saying, “Maybe one day in a few years.” Well, August came around and it was time to head over to the best lake in the world. About halfway through our vacation we, along with a bunch of Heidi’s family, decided to have a lake day on our special beach. Heidi took Chip on a kayak ride and Heidi’s mom suggested I do it then before we’re all worn out from the hot, sunny day (of course I asked both Tim and Lynn’s permission the day before). I stood at the beach with the ring behind my back awaiting her return. As she was pulling in, everyone had their phones at the ready. However, before she got to shore, Chip fell out of the kayak into the water. I had to franticly hide the ring in my bag, go grab Chip, and pull Heidi onto shore. Now how do I surprise her? Luckily, she wanted me to put more sunscreen on her back so before I did, I grabbed the ring quick, told her I had to ask her something first, and got down on one knee. Before I could say anything, she literally ran away from me towards the water shouting, “No way!” Her face was priceless. Everyone clapped and cheered for joy as we put the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly and all my planning had finally paid off.