We're Getting Married

Our paths were closer than we realized for quite some time. Payton grew up in Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Austin grew up in Grand Forks, ND. For an entire year, we were just five minutes apart—Payton as a freshman at UND and Austin finishing his senior year of high school—without ever knowing the other existed. It wasn’t until the following year that our paths crossed and our story officially began. Weekends quickly became our favorite part of the week, because it meant we got to spend time together. Not long after we met, the world turned upside down with COVID, and Payton was sent back home, five hours away, and Austin stayed in Grand Forks. Distance could have made things complicated, but instead, it made our feelings even clearer. After countless late-night FaceTimes and missing each other across state lines, it became obvious that what we had was something real. By July 2020, we made it official. When Payton returned to UND, everything just clicked. Suddenly, we went from being long-distance to living only two floors apart in the same apartment building. From that point on, we did everything together—and it all felt so easy and effortless, like it was always meant to be. Two years together in Grand Forks flew by before life pulled us into long distance again—this time for two whole years. Payton began her career as a nurse in the Twin Cities while Austin stayed in Grand Forks to finish his degree. It wasn’t always easy, but through many phone calls, weekend visits, and a lot of patience, we made it work. But love has a way of waiting for the right moment. In November 2024, we finally moved in together—and within just a few days, it was clear: this was forever (for Gussy too!!). On August 30, 2025, shortly after celebrating five years together, Austin proposed, marking the start of our greatest adventure yet. From Inver Grove Heights to Grand Forks, from dorm rooms to our first home, every step has led us here—and we could not be more excited to celebrate the next chapter with all of you!