A&E

We both grew up in the Des Moines area, often only a mile apart from each other, participating in similar activities and having mutual friends, but didn’t meet until we moved 100+ miles away to attend the University of Iowa. We met the first day of “hell week” in the Hawkeye Marching Band sousaphone section. Eli swears he noticed me right away that first day, but we didn’t become close until we signed a lease for our first apartment with two other sousaphones. The next couple of years were fun, messy, challenging, and full of growth for both of us together and as individuals. We got through it with the help of our friends, family, and by supporting each other endlessly. Things got real when I decided to move to MN for a job after graduation. I was extremely nervous, but Eli stuck right by my side and over the last few years we’ve called Minnesota home. After 7 years together, we are excited to celebrate where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going with our loved ones by our sides!