we're getting married!

We both attended Hope College in Holland Michigan, but with different graduating years and social scenes we only floated in and out of each other's circles for shared moments like The Pull or a Greek Life Laser Tag Night. It wasn't until a mutual friends' wedding on New Year's Eve that we hit it off on the dance floor (thank you Bruno Mars and The Kauffman's). After the ball dropped a gaggle of our friends headed to New Holland Brewing. We got the chance to chat at the bar and Ariana bought Josh a drink. Josh flew back for Minnesota the next day, but not without a promise of someday returning the favor and Ariana's number tucked away in his phone to make good on that promise...

After six weeks of long-distance chatting, it was clear, we really wanted to meet up for a proper first date. After all, Josh was still trying to make good on that one drink! So, one fateful day came and we looked for cheap flights, each said a prayer that this wasn't going to be the craziest thing ever, and with our catchphrase in mind (bold move only!!) next thing we knew we landed in Denver to kick the tires on this whole relationship with an ultimate-first-date-weekend. It was an amazing weekend filled with pancakes and science museums and shared music, stories, and laughs. We each left with more than just a spark of interest. So, the joke was on us, it was the craziest thing ever. But, hey, look at us now!

After many team meetings with both sets of parents and a few changed plans, Josh was ready. We set off for a long weekend in Seattle and on Saturday headed to Alki Beach in the rain. Josh nervously checked the weather. Papa Bratt played a curated playlist of songs with proposal implications. And Mama Bratt secretly held back the tears. We all hopped out of the car, the clouds parted, and Josh and Ariana walked over to the water to view a gorgeous (and somehow miraculously dry) Seattle skyline. After a moment, Josh got down on a knee, said many lovely things, and ultimately asked if Ariana would spend the rest of her life with him. Can you guess what she said? We spent a moment alone just basking in everything that led us to that moment. Then out of thin air popped not only Ariana's parents, but also Josh's parents (who had secretly flown in from MSP) and Ariana's brother! A full family affair! With champagne, flowers, lots of hugs we all started the engagement-celebration-weekend that was highlighted with tons of amazing food, gorgeous pictures, and two families settling into one.