We were first introduced to each other in a chemistry class at Whitworth University during Maddy’s freshman year and David’s sophomore year. Neither of us thought anything of it until our dear friends Hannah and Jake (mostly Hannah) insisted we were a good match for each other. While David did not show interest right away, Maddy asked him to study chemistry with her every night after baseball practice and he never said no. Study sessions turned into long late night walks, epic ping pong matches, and lots of basketball games of horse. As the end of the school year was approaching, it only took us a few weeks to realize that the connection we were building was worth carrying into the summer.

We spent full days together going on long drives, hikes, and fishing trips in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho. Since most of our “dates” consisted of fishing adventures and a picnic, it only made sense for David to ask Maddy on one of their usual outings. During a night time fish for catfish at Fernan Lake, we were waiting for the bells on our lines to ring as we sat on the rocks by the shore. This is when David finally asked Maddy to be his girlfriend after a couple months of experiencing the Idaho summertime lifestyle together. David and Maddy shared many memories and built lifelong friendships and mentors during their school years together at Whitworth and their summers in north Idaho. Check out our video in the ‘Gallery’ tab for a snippet of the good times throughout our past four years together.

For the past year and a half, we have been navigating a true long distance relationship. Though we are physically separated for more of the year than we are together, God has been our rock through it all. This past year in our relationship has been a marker for huge milestones in our lives. Maddy started dental school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and David was hired on with Idaho Fish and Game for his dream job as a game warden. Guided by God’s love and grace, we have continued to grow individually and as a couple. We could not be more grateful for our friends and family (aka, you who’s reading this) who have supported us along the way!

Madeleine and I made our way up the hiking trail excited to catch some fish, however, this was going to be much more than any ordinary fishing trip. In less than an hour I planned to propose to Madeleine at the top of the ridge on a rock that overlooks the Couer d’Alene river. Once we made our trek to the top we both stopped to admire the view (see the picture below). My heart was pumping knowing I’d be getting down on my knee in the next few moments. Madeleine on the other hand was oblivious to what would shortly happen as she had a huge grin while taking pictures on her phone of the scenery around us. After she made it to the rock that we now call “proposal rock” I got down on my knee and was so blessed to be able to ask the four big words of “will you marry me?” After we embraced each other and soaked in the moment, my brother Matthew climbed out of his hiding place where had been able to capture the whole event on camera. This will be a memory that we’ll be able to share the rest of our lives.