Mykaela and Jake first met at Valley Middle School in 7th grade math class. They quickly got to know each other as they sat at the same table. From that day forward, they had similar groups of friends, spent more time together, and their relationship grew throughout the years in High School. In early 2018, after consistent pursuit from Jake, they grew closer as friends and started to test the waters of a potential relationship. Mykaela finally said “yes” to going on a date their Senior year. They both decided to go to college at the University of Minnesota. Go Gophers! While in the early years in college and stages of dating, the strength of their friendship and newly founded relationship was tested. Both Jake and Mykaela experienced familial losses of their beloved Grandma’s- Grandma Patti and Grandma Pattie. Yes, they both had the same name, what a coincidence. As they navigated these heavy losses, they learned to take care of each other in new ways, strengthening their connection and developing a strong emotional bond that was deeper than either of them realized. Their immense support and trust they had in each other helped them come together, growing and creating the values that bound them together. They found that they love to try new things and learn more about other cultures through new adventures. Mykaela and Jake love to travel all over the state, country and are making their way around the world. Some of their favorite trips together so far have been to Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, Lutsen, and their almost annual trip to Florida (thanks Jeanne and Herby (; ) They love to explore new state parks around Minnesota, and enjoy trying new breweries and cocktail bars. They share two pets; James, a farm cat from South Dakota who was welcomed in 2020, and Luna Lu, a black Golden Doodle, welcomed in 2021, who is the lickiest dog in the world! They are the best of friends and the best of enemies and keep Jake and Mykaela on their toes, never a dull moment. After 7 years together, through high school, college, Covid, loss, challenge, and so much change, Jake and Mykaela started planning the next steps in their love story. Finally, on December 22, 2024 Jake proposed to Mykaela at the MN Landscape Arboretum, one of their most favorite places to visit. It was a day they will never forget with snow on the ground, lights surrounding them and family waiting in the wings to celebrate. As they dreamed of doing life together they came to reality it was time to figure out where they were going to live. It was a dream of theirs to find a permanent place to call home and it came sooner than they thought. While Mykaela was between clinical rotations, they happened to find a wonderful new home, thanks to Korn Team Homes (Monique/mom and Shane/dad). Now that Mykaela has finished her Doctorate program in Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota and Jake is doing very well at EcoLab, they can finally get to planning their big day. They are so excited for the next year of planning and starting their married life together. We are so thrilled to celebrate our big day with you!