Thank you, Hinge! Larkin and Brett "matched" on September 10th, 2021, just minutes after Larkin downloaded the app. Brett stood out to Larkin right away because he seemed genuine, asked intentional questions, and quickly asked for an in-person date. Larkin and Brett's first date was on September 19th at Amore Italian rooftop in Uptown Minneapolis. Brett fell for Larkin right away, deleting Hinge the second he got back to his car. Larkin was sold after their second date to the Minnesota Zoo and even told a close friend that she thought Brett was her future husband. After that, Larkin and Brett's dates kept getting closer and closer together because they wanted to see each other as often as possible. Larkin and Brett became "official" on October 7th, and as they started introducing each other to family and friends, they realized they had even more connections than they originally thought. This re-affirmed that their faith and values lined up and allowed the relationship to have a long-term focus from the start and move toward engagement.

On August 7th, Larkin and Brett went to church together like any other Sunday. Brett told Larkin that he had lunch plans for them after church at The Kenwood. Larkin was suspicious that an engagement was on the horizon for that afternoon, but she didn't want to get her hopes up. Unknown to Larkin, one of her friends (Kenzie Achterhoff) was setting up the engagement spot Brett had picked out earlier in the week. As they left church and started driving toward Uptown Minneapolis, Larkin got increasingly suspicious since their first date had taken place in that area, however Brett insisted they were simply going to lunch. However, Larkin realized her suspicions were correct when Brett drove straight past The Kenwood and parked at Lake of the Isles. Brett turned to Larkin and said, "Let's get out. You can leave your purse here." Upon getting out of the car, Larkin could see a large willow tree overlooking the water with a white blanket, a dozen pink roses, and a picture frame set up. This was the final confirmation for Larkin that she was about to get engaged, and the tears started flowing. Brett led Larkin to the blanket, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him. Kenzie captured photos and videos of the entire thing- something Larkin had always dreamed of! After the proposal, Brett brought Larkin to his parents' house in Maple Grove where both families were waiting to celebrate. After the family celebration, Brett also surprised Larkin with a reservation for just the two of them at their first date spot. The following night, Brett hosted an engagement party for all their friends at his house in Golden Valley. Larkin and Brett felt so celebrated and continue to appreciate all the support they have received from family and friends. We can't wait to celebrate with you on May 7th!