We’re getting married!

To get to the present, I need to take you through the past. I grew up in a small but strong family unit of my mom, dad, sister, and me. There was so much love in that household that I often prayed that I would one day be a part of a large family and share this foundation of love with as many people as I could. We initially met on a dating app in 2023, but quickly, I could tell Maddee was different. I wanted so desperately to meet her, but she was playing hard to get. Eventually, I went up to a mutual friend of ours at work and practically begged her to put in a good word for me. Whatever they told Maddee about me must have worked because Maddee called me shortly thereafter, and the rest was history. Our first date was perfect, and looking back, it's hilarious how obviously nervous we both were, but in the moment, none of that showed. We went to a brewery on Sunday night in SLC, and we ended up staying for more than four hours. Neither of us ordered food, and we split a lone plate of fries. After that date was over, I could not get Maddee out of my head. I just kept thinking about her laugh, her smile, and how desperately I wanted to see her again. It became clear to me that Maddee felt the same way, so we started spending more time together. It just so happened that during the summer, members of Maddee's family had all planned separate visits to Utah, so in the span of our first few months together, I was able to meet her mom, sister(s), and brother(s). It took me a while to verbally tell her, but I quickly learned that Maddee is the first name on a lot of people's lists when they have news to share (good or bad). She truly is a champion of compassion and friendship, and that was one of the things that made me fall in love with her so early on. I can't tell my version of this story without mentioning how instrumental Maddee has been in helping me further my faith in God. I initially started going to church with Maddee to support her, and that quickly turned into a new spark in my faith. When I reflect on all it took to get here, I can see God's hand in that. After a few months of dating Maddee, I knew I wanted to marry her. Asking for her parents' blessings was one of the more emotional moments of my life, as I got to be truly honest with just how much I loved their daughter. I had to tell little lies here and there to set the stage for proposing in the summer of 2025 (I knew full well I was going to do it in April). Planning our engagement was so much fun! I'll spare the details as I am sure Maddee will tell you, but I truly wanted to surprise her. It was 1000% worth it because the shock on her face when she turned around and saw me on one knee is something I will never forget. I love telling people how much I love Maddee, and I love it even more when Maddee does the same. It means so much to me that so many of our family and friends want to come out and watch us profess our love for each other. All that to say, seeing how much love Maddee had for her family and friends really sealed the deal for me. This was someone who, unknowingly, had been everything I had ever prayed for. Maddee, I love you with everything that I am. You are my biggest supporter, my rock, and my lighthouse. I cannot wait to be your husband.

From the first date, I knew Caleb was special. He made me laugh, listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and I felt so comfortable around him. Then he met Forks and she was in love with him immediately, which obviously was a huge green flag! As we started dating and getting to know each other better, it was amazing how quickly and deeply I fell in love. I was so drawn to the way he knew exactly who he was and what he valued. We went on fun dates, exploring this beautiful state together, but we also had many evenings in, cooking yummy food or watching movies together. Caleb supported me wholeheartedly as I navigated a lot of changes and new things! He came along to all the weddings and trips home to Iowa, and I learned that I didn't actually hate long car rides or airplanes, as long as he was with me. As our love grew, we also deepened in our faith. As someone who had always been a believer in Jesus, I was connected to a local church and invited Caleb to come, and as he learned about the Gospel and all it had to offer, I found myself being spurred on in my own relationship with Jesus. As conversations around marriage and the future came up more, we discussed the importance of our relationship being built on a firm foundation in Christ. It has been the biggest blessing to be surrounded by folks at church and in our bible study as we have grown individually and together in our faith. Caleb took me ring shopping in December 2024, then asked for my parents' blessing to marry me in January on our family trip in Mexico. We were getting ready to move in together as our leases were ending, and Caleb said he would likely propose sometime in Summer 2025. I was so giddy, I couldn't wait to be his fiancé. So imagine my surprise when Caleb proposed on April 10th, at a beautiful mountain reservoir, and then whisked me away for a weekend in Moab to soak in the engagement bliss and explore Arches National Park! It was the happiest weekend of my life (so far!). We were celebrated and showered with love by friends and family, blessed by their kind words and sweet gifts. Being engaged has been so much fun. It still never fails to blow my mind how Caleb pulled off the most incredible surprise proposal and that he actually wants to marry me FOREVER!!! Wedding planning has been such a fun time, and we could not be more excited to bring all of our closest people together for one big day of celebrating. We hope that each person who reads this and/or attends our wedding knows how loved they are. We feel immensely grateful and undeserving of the love and joy in our lives. If you actually read this, THANK YOU! I love you. ...and to my soon-to-be-husband: I love you, fully, deeply, unconditionally. I can't wait to be your wife. Forever.