Pete & Maddie met during the summer of 2014, thanks to one of Maddie's high school friends. She invited Maddie to hang out with Pete and a few of his buddies at his house. The visit couldn't have lasted more than 20 minutes, but no one else in the group was able to get a word in. The (future) bride and groom had no idea what was in store for them!

After reconnecting a couple years later, Pete planned their first date - homemade pizza and wine (which is still one of their favorites)! They shopped for all the ingredients at Hy-Vee, went back to Pete's house, got to cooking, and Pete nervously rambled for the majority of the night. However, Maddie's protective parents wanted her home early. When she left, Pete thought her early departure was code for 'she's not having a good time' and that he'd never see her again. Luckily, he was wrong!

After dating for 2+ years, Maddie had the idea to have date night at one of their favorite local spots, The Republic on Grand. As they were heading downtown from the western suburbs, they passed the Iowa Women of Achievement pedestrian bridge. Pete smoothly mentioned that a coworker highly recommended taking a walk and soaking in the views of Des Moines on the bridge. In doing so, he missed the exit and had to take an alternate route to the restaurant. After finishing up, they got in the car to head home, but Pete pulled into the parking lot next to the pedestrian bridge. Even after they walked to the center of the bridge, where you could perfectly see the Des Moines skyline and capitol building, Maddie still had no idea what was about to happen. Pete got down on one knee, brought back the nervous rambling, and asked her to marry him! They spent the rest of the evening celebrating with family & friends.