Thank you!

I feel extremely fortunate and lucky to be standing in front of you today. It’s been an incredible 4 years since we first met and I’m still not sure if it was your dimples, charisma, dance moves, witty jokes or love for hockey that peaked my interest, but to say I’m glad we’ve made it to the biggest play of the game so far is an understatement. I can’t even begin to describe how much I’ve grown as a person during our time together. Your calming nature and carefree yet passionate way of life truly bring out the best in me. You are patient, compassionate, and as many know, a great teacher. There are many things I’ve learned from you over the past few years and I’d like to share a few… I’ve learned how to properly eat a chicken wing… one handed… I’ve learned that all you ever really need is a positive attitude and to not sweat the small stuff... I’ve learned I don’t always have to be perfect and it’s okay to admit fault... I’ve learned that your “long story short” stories are never really that short… I’ve learned there’s always a right and a wrong way to pack a cooler, bag, fridge, box, etc.. and that my way is generally the wrong way... But the most important thing I have learned from you is that home is not a place, it’s a person. And I will be forever grateful that you have finally been able to provide me a safe and comforting environment that I can call home... no matter where we are. I wish I could stand up here and promise you that I will always close the lids on things... that I’ll always keep our bedroom neat and tidy... that I’ll never back seat drive even when I’m in the front seat of the canoe and that I always tape the bottom of moving boxes versus just folding them… but all of that sounds boring and you and I both know those promises would be broken. The things I can and will promise you: I promise to be your biggest supporter in whatever job, idea, or project you set your mind on... I also promise to poke holes in those ideas just to make sure you’ve thought them through. I promise to apologize if I snap on you solely because I am hungry. I promise to love you with the same determination and confidence you've shown me. I promise to exercise patience when I repeatedly have to tell you something because you forget or just aren’t listening... especially during lacrosse and mulch season. I promise to commit myself to our future family and the good that I know will grow from it. I promise to always ask you what’s for dinner as we’re eating breakfast. I promise to communicate when I’m upset instead of shutting down and expecting you to read my mind. I promise to always make our marriage a priority and work everyday to better it and ourselves. I promise to honor your passions that may not always not include me. And last but not least, I promise to always go halfsies with you on every meal we order for the rest of our lives. Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done and I truly believe we are better together. I’m so excited to start this next adventure with you as husband and wife, I love you.

I knew I was going to ask for your hand during a trip to the Boundary Waters. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and there wasn’t much wind. Our canoe was traveling in silence and I was lost in thought pondering our life together. At that moment, two loons appeared. "Checkpoint" The idea that two lives are forever linked was hard for me to comprehend before I met you. These two loons are together to look out for each other, sing together, dance together, soul mates to live out their days together. Forever. Just like you and I. No one I have ever met cares about others as much as you. The size of your heart is unmatched. This was obvious as soon as I got to know you. When we began to meet each other's friends and family, the connection was obvious, you are a special person and the people around you know it. As our relationship grew stronger, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet your two nieces. The way they embraced and adored you, and your hide and seek skills, shook me in a way I didn’t understand. Secretly, I knew I had to make them our nieces. It was no surprise to me the way my nephews glow whenever you get home. The first question I always get is "Where is Stacy, Uncle Mike?" You are going to be an amazing mother. I am someone that always feels I can take care of things on my own. Little did I know, I needed you to come into my life. I feel safe when we are together. I know I have someone in my corner who will always have my back. I have someone that is going to tell me what I need to hear for better or for worse. To me, that is truly what love is about. At the end of the day, I promise I will do whatever I can to put a smile on your face. When five pillows isn't enough, you can always have my last one. When nature calls and you need a hole, I'll be there to Dig. When it is minus 50 degrees outside, I will make sure you keep all your toes, even your pinky ones… Just please help me Shake this Frost from my beard in the morning. Whether we are climbing a mountain or just the stair case to Rudy's Rooftop, You are the person I want to do it with. No hike is too hard, no hill is too high, no adventure is too crazy. Our journey will have ups and downs, over fallen trees and thru cold mud, but I promise we will always find a cozy place to sleep, side by side, each night, for the rest of time. I love you, Stacy.