We met in college in good ol' Cape Girardeau. Ours is definitely not a "love at first sight" story- Jake actually had a girlfriend when we met! We were in the same friend group though and spent practically every day together getting to know each other. 5 years later, we are settled in St. Louis, have jobs, and two cats. Some things are just meant to be!

Jake proposed on the 4th of July weekend. He told me that we hadn't gone on a date in a while (we hadn't- Covid ruined that) so he had something planned that he wanted to keep a surprise. He told me he had reservations at the Boat House in Forest Park. When we got there, he said he got the time wrong so we went on a walk to kill time. There, he had a beautiful blanket with candles, rose petals, and wine (surprise much?) and our best friend (the best man) hiding behind a tree taking pictures. Then the next day, the "4th of July party" that my parents were hosting for the neighbors was a surprise engagement party. I don't think I'll ever get over how in shock I was all weekend!