Our story: As a freshman, I was the only girl in Mr. Wheeler's 9th-period band class. I met Cade, a sophomore at the time, on the first day of school and have been in love with him ever since (just ask Katherine or my mom!). I spent much of freshman year trying to get Cade to ask me out on a date, which unfortunately did not happen. It was not until my sophomore year when I was asked out by one of his buddies that he got jealous and decided to take me out. We went on a few dates during the fall and finally made it official on January 7th, which also happens to be his Christmas. I remember him saying "Everyone in my family keeps calling you my girlfriend and I kinda like that. Would you be my girlfriend?" And the rest is pretty much history!

After 10 years of dating, you get lots and lots of questions about “when are you guys getting engaged?!” Every time Jaime would look at me to answer and I would respond, “I know how I want to do it, don’t you worry” (I don’t think she really believed me). During July of 2022, I was in New Jersey on a rotation and Jaime was able to spend the month at her lake. With all of our family in NY and Jaime at her lake, this was the perfect opportunity. Oquaga lake is Jaime’s favorite place in the world. Having spent so many amazing summers there together, I knew proposing to her there surrounded by family would be perfect (I really did have a plan). After convincing Jaime I was unable to come home for the weekend because I had to work, I snuck home on Friday night with the plan of proposing early Saturday afternoon. With the help of Katherine (Jaime’s lifelong bestie), she was able to get Jaime away from the lake Saturday morning so I could get everything set up. When Jaime returned to the lake, I was waiting for her on the dock, I got down on one knee and she said yes! We spent the rest of the day celebrating with our loving and supportive friends and family at one our favorite places in the world, a dream come true. There were so many people that helped make this amazing moment happen, and we want to thank everyone who played a role in making July 16th a day we will forever cherish!