Our story begins on a windy August day at the cross-walk outside of Voxman. We were both waiting for the light to change to cross the street and somehow a wonderful conversation was started. Previously, we both had known of each other; we had seen each other from across the orchestra 3 times a week and we’d see each other at mutual friends’ parties, but on the street corner we struck up our first in depth conversation. Afterward I knew that I really wanted to take that charming lady on a date so we could continue talking. That semester we both had conducting class in the same room an hour apart, so I’d be leaving the room while she entered. The following week, with much anticipation, I waited around outside the classroom for Katie to arrive. For some reason, she was later than usual that day so I ended up hanging around for an awkwardly long time until I finally saw Katie coming. I then attempted to act nonchalant like it just so happened that I was in the middle of leaving the room. I asked her out on a date to go canoeing on Lake MacBride. We were both completely nervous, but it turned out to be the most perfect day! After canoeing, we went to Mickey’s in Iowa City for lunch, and Mickey’s has been “our” restaurant ever since. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to go on countless other dates with Katie in the years that followed! We love to go hiking, go to concerts, travel, or just hang out together. Eventually, Katie became my best friend and the love of my life. So, October of last year, after we had dated each other for over 3 years, we took a wonderful hiking trip up to Pike’s Peak, Iowa, (some might say, the most beautiful place in state) where in the middle of the falling autumn leaves, I asked Katie to marry me and she said yes! Since then, we’ve moved together with our sweet cat, Walter, to a new city. We are so excited for the future and I am so looking forward to finally marrying my best friend with our friends and family there to celebrate!