Our story began in the most unexpected place—a small, family-run restaurant. Christian had started working there part-time, not knowing that he’d soon meet someone who would change his life. At first, I saw Christian as just another employee. And he saw her as the owner’s daughter. Neither were looking for love—especially not at work—but something about each other quietly stood out. As time passed, I began to notice Christian’s quiet strength, his work ethic, and the way he showed genuine care for the people around him. There was an authenticity to him that was hard to ignore. Christian developed a little crush on me, which I’ll admit I brushed off at first. But he didn’t just try to get close to me—he went out of his way to build a connection with my son, Carter. Watching this made my heart soften in a way I didn’t expect.

The first date was simple, yet memorable. We walked through the Ped Mall in Iowa City during a local craft market. Christian, trying to impress, offered to buy everything I liked—nervous, sweet, and completely sincere. It wasn’t the gifts that mattered—it was the effort and the way he made me feel seen. Since then, the love has grown through every shared moment—both the big milestones and the quiet, everyday ones. Through laughter, love, and learning about each other.

When Christian suggested a “normal” date night at Cedar Creek Winery—I didn’t suspect a thing. He’d made reservations before, so I didn’t think anything of it. We were led to the back room, I immediately noticed it was empty… except for a beautifully set table and a small altar at the far end. Thinking the hostess was simply accommodating a quieter corner, I picked a seat by the door (“easy for the waitress!”), only to be gently guided to the decorated table with two place settings with fresh roses. Still a little confused I went along with Christian and the hostess as she suggested we take a photo in front of the altar. That’s when he turned to me, smiled, and began to speak from the heart. Dropping to one knee, he asked me to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, I said yes—and in that perfectly unexpected moment, the next chapter begins.

It all started at a small family restaurant—Andrea’s family’s restaurant, to be exact. Christian had picked up a part-time job there, not knowing he’d end up meeting someone who would change his life. At first, Andrea saw Christian as just another employee. And Christian? He saw Andrea as the owner’s daughter. But as time went on, something shifted. Christian developed a quiet crush, and Andrea began to notice his kindness, his work ethic, and the sweet way he connected with her son, Carter. Their first date was a walk through the Ped Mall in Iowa City during a craft market. Christian nervously tried to buy Andrea everything she liked. She didn’t need the gifts—his thoughtfulness was more than enough. Since then, their love has grown through every moment—big and small.