We're Getting Married!

Castle Bridge Event Center 8403 US-59, St Joseph, MO 64504 ---- The ceremony will take place outside, followed by the reception indoors at the same venue. ---- Recommended Attire Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual

We first met in fall of 2015 when we both started our freshman year of high school. With mutual friends, a love for sports, and a passion for video games, our connection was instant and undeniable. We even went to the freshman Sadie Hawkins dance —a girls-ask-guys event— together. Although Jaeden wanted to be in a relationship a week after the dance, Christin knew that although she really liked him, she didn't want to date anyone in high school. She was focused on academics, sports, and spending time with friends, not wanting to deal with the inevitable high school drama that often came with relationships. Jaeden respected her decision, and though it wasn’t easy, they continued to build their friendship, which only grew stronger over time. Despite our ups and downs, we stayed in touch throughout high school, growing closer with every passing year. Everything fell into place when we decided to go to the Senior Prom together, which is when we decided to make it official and start dating on March 20th, 2019.

Christin's version: I was completely surprised when Jaeden proposed—both by the timing and the thoughtful way he did it. While we had often talked about our future and knew we wanted to build a life together, I wasn’t expecting it so soon. He’d even told me he was saving up to propose the following year! The day started just like any other, except I was planning to meet with my friends (who happen to be a majority of my bridesmaids) to hang out and catch up. This was a regular occurrence since we all grew up together. After we graduated high school, we went our separate ways, but whenever we were all back in town, we made it a priority to get together. Before walking out the door, I asked Jaeden to take the dogs out, but he made me do it instead—typical! Although I had a slight suspicion that he might propose soon, seeing him in an old, torn-up shirt and lounging on the couch before I left definitely made that thought slip my mind. I thought I was going with my friends to see one of their new houses. Instead, I found the dress I had told Jaeden I wanted to wear, flowers, and a handwritten note telling me to get ready. My friends drove me to a secret location—The Met—where he surprised me with huge marquee letters, candles, and rose petals spelling out "Marry Me?" My first words were, "What the heck, Jaeden?" Honestly, I had so many emotions flowing through me I was shaking, but of course, when he got down on one knee, the answer was obvious... Yes! Jaeden's version: Planning this proposal was a huge challenge for me, especially since I’m more of a go-with-the-flow kind of guy and not very experienced in preparing or planning things like this. But Christin has "trained" me well. I listen to her and learn from her, even if she doesn’t always think I am. I started working on it months in advance because I wanted everything to be perfect for Christin. She means the world to me, and I wanted to create a moment that reflected how much I love her. I was nervous—beyond nervous, really. It wasn't the fear of her saying no, but more the overwhelming emotions I was feeling—happiness, thoughts about our future, and wanting it to be perfect for her. From the moment I decided to propose, I knew it had to be a surprise. I saved up and meticulously planned every detail. I even coordinated with Christin's friends to ensure they were all in on the plan to make it special. Was I lounging on the couch in an old, torn-up t-shirt to throw her off? Well, yes. When Christin arrived, I could see the shock and excitement in her eyes. Despite my nerves, seeing her reaction made everything worth it. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Her immediate "Yes" was the happiest moment of my life. I love Christin so much, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her.