What are the odds of meeting your future spouse on a blind date during a world-wide pandemic? It’s probably more common than most people think now days! Chris and I were introduced by mutual friends/family at a small summer pool get-together at my brother and sister-in-law’s house on June 26, 2020. Our first date was 4 days later on 6.30.20 and apparently we never looked back! Dating during a pandemic was interesting, especially when one partner or the other had to quarantine because they were either exposed or came down with the COVID-19 virus. However, I feel that it gave us a chance to get to know one other and spend more quality time together than most during the initial phases of dating. With Chris and I, you could say that opposites attract. But we have definitely used this to our advantage! We have been able to experience, learn, and adapt to new hobbies, places to go, and meeting lots of new people that we are now privileged to call our friends and family.

After 3 years of dating, and wondering if we would ever get engaged on my part (lol), Chris completely surprised me during the intermission of The Beach Boys concert at the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days. As I was wondering what he was waiting for (because he had just stated he was going to use the bathroom facilities and grab another drink), the next thing I know he was getting down on one knee asking me to marry him! Needless to say, I was completely shocked, but immediately (and obviously) answered YES! YES! Chris went to extra lengths to really make the moment special. First, family is very important to both of us and he made sure that both of our parents were present for the proposal. An added bonus was that my brother, sister-in-law, and one of my nephews were there as well to witness this special event! Secondly, Chris gave me a ring that he had requested from my mom that was given to my great-grandmother Lorenzen from my great-grandfather for their 50th wedding anniversary. Naturally there were tears of happiness shed! We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter with you!