A big shoutout to our friends Adam and Courtney for introducing us. We were paired together in their wedding party because we were the tallest of their friends. At the rehearsal, we walked down the aisle and Austin told Kristen, "This is where I will say something funny and you laugh." We don't remember what he said for the actual wedding, but Kristen did laugh. With many states separating us, we took the jump at long-distance dating. Austin visited Minnesota a month later, and though we both were worried it would be awkward, we hit it off and the conversation never lacked.

Austin came home from work on Friday and was pumped because "Boom Boom Pow" by the Black Eyed Peas played as he pulled in. We were headed to Kristen's parent's house for pizza and a bonfire. After getting ready, Austin began searching for something in the guest bedroom. Kristen asked what he was looking for and was told, "Nothing." She took Max and some groceries to the car to wait for Austin. We pulled up to Craig and Gale's and got out of the car. Kristen got items out of the back seat (a bag containing taco dip) and turned around to Austin really close to her. All of a sudden he got down on one knee and said, "I meant to do this at home, but will you marry me?" Kristen was shocked and after a few "Oh my Gods" she excitedly replied, "Yes!" We got to celebrate with Kristen's family that evening.