After years of hoping to meet someone "the old fashioned way" but failing with dating apps, Lane put her trust in a good friend who hadn't yet exhausted the Fox Cities dating app scene. Jake was new to the area and looking to make new connections, so naturally he started swiping. Lane's good friend and Jake happened to "match" and struck up a friendship (yes, a friendship). She had the good sense to remember what Lane had said about sending someone her way if she thought they would make a good match, and thank goodness she did! Jake got Lane's number and asked her out on a date! On April 21st, 2023, Lane and Jake went on their first date at Town Council in Neenah. Lane first saw Jake outside the restaurant where he was nervously straightening out the patio chairs. She was glad he was her date and not just a really cute waiter. They bonded over their sense of humor and talks about their big dreams for the future. Everything quickly fell into place, like it was always meant to be.

365 days after meeting, one day before our one year anniversary, we planned to have dinner at Town Council in Neenah where we first met. After a nerve-calming cocktail at a nearby bourbon bar, we made our way downtown and chatted about how incredibly lucky we are to have crossed paths when we did just one year ago. We paused outside the restaurant and Jake reached into the pocket of the jacket he had slung over his arm despite the chill in the air. He took out the ring box and popped the question! The surprise continued after dinner when we met both of our parents and our closest friends at Ledgestone Vineyard for an impromptu engagement party.

Jacob Daniel Jessie “Bangzone” Bengtson is full of surprises. A veteran of the US Navy specializing in nuclear reactors, he also enjoys bread making and has nearly perfected his recipe for exactly one large chocolate chip cookie. Jake appreciates the simple things in life while dreaming big about the future we are building together. To Jake there is no dream too big to chase, just some that are more worthwhile than others (do we really need to explore Mars?). He values family and often reminisces on time spent with his parents and brothers making up games and running wild outdoors. Jake swept me off my feet from the moment we met with his fun loving spirit, wit, and authentic kindness. He is sincere, thoughtful, creative, and adventurous. He loves deeply and with intention. Jake is a true partner for life.

Lane Katherine “Spree” Baumbach is so much more than the sweet, pretty girl that meets the eye. In the public, Lane is intelligent, witty, and SASSY, yet pours out a simple kindness that makes you feel like you're the most special being in the room. From the first moment I met her I was drawn into learning about her hopes, dreams, and where she came from. On that never-ending journey I've discovered the endless patience and capacity for love Lane shares with our two and four legged friends. I saw a person who was at equal ease enjoying the symphony as portaging a canoe across wild lands with no bathroom within a dozen miles. Lane aspires to explore the world and dive into it's cultures but is grounded by the family she holds dearly. She is the kind of love that I'd only hoped for. The kind that is daring enough to dream big alongside me. The kind that only grows. Lane is the best of all of us.