We first met each other in class in Groups and Teams Communication class at UW-Milwaukee. I remember sitting down the first day of class and seeing Abbey walk in and sit down across the room and I thought to myself, "Wow she's beautiful". As that class went on throughout the semester, we weren't in each other groups for class but we'd occasionally lock eyes every once and awhile and would talk, but mainly about what our discussion was for class. It really started once next semester started up and I took Human Conflict Communication class and found out that she was also in my class during the first day back. Since we knew each other, we sat next to each other. I made it a point that every time we had class to chat with Abbey before class started and just get to know her, and slowly I started to graft my way to become more and more friendly with her. I didn't press to hard and was all weird like a lot of guys are. Instead, I played it as cool as possible and just asked normal questions about what's happening in each other's lives. Knowing that if nothing happens between us, that I still am able to talk to the cutest girl in class. However, I did ask her if she wanted to hangout a few times and was shut down every time, I'd get some excuse like, "Yeah that sounds fun, but I can't, blah blah blah". Then one day before we had an exam she emailed everyone in our class to have a study group together and I was the only one that replied and came to the study session. I secretly was like "Sweet this is cool, I can keep gaming her and hopefully go on an actual date." Well the study session went well and I remember that we pretended to be a couple and go through the study questions together and what each other's reactions would be based on the scenarios that we're given to us. We honestly had a fun time doing it and both of us got an A on the exam. So as time went on, the last day of class came. It was both of our last semester in college and Human Conflict was my last class ever as a student. I was super happy and excited that I was going to graduate. I remember that we we're talking and I was super stoked that I was done with school, and invited her to get a drink to celebrate the last time we'd be student's at UW-Milwaukee. Well she finally didn't shut me down and we had a quick drink at our campus bar. Vibes we're perfect and right before we parted ways, I told her, "Sorry if this is too forward" and kissed her. Then she got all flush red and giggled and said "I'll see you later" From that point on we'd be best friends, lovers, fighters, doing everything together as a team and living life together. It's been 5 years now and we will be married during our 6th year together. It's been too fast and I fear that time will continue to move faster. I can't wait to be old and sitting on our porch enjoying the weather and looking over to Abbey, and remembering how it all started.

I had planned almost every detail for how I wanted my proposal to Abbey to go down. I wanted both of our families there, I wanted to ask by the lake, I wanted it to be photographed, I wanted good food, and a great spot to host. My overall plan was to ask the big question to Abbey at Lakeshore Park, a fantastic area on the lake next to downtown Milwaukee. Then we would go get food where our families would be waiting for us at Merriment Social in the Third Ward. When we were arriving to the spot where I was going to ask the big question I got super nervous and when I popped down on one knee. I totally forgot what I had loosely planned to say to Abbey and instead word vomited some nonsense and I forgot to take my sunglasses off!! But she still said yes and I got the photo to prove it. My awesome uncle, Young, and even cooler aunt, Phoung, popped out from the bushes where they were taking photographs and surprised Abbey. Both Abbey and I were kind of in a surprised state of shock moment, but I knew that we had to keep it moving. So when we got back home I took her over to Merriment Social where I had rented out their private party area and had both of our families waiting there to surprise Abbey even further. We pulled up, and my mom's car was literally parked right out front. Abbey was like, "Your mom's here? Wait... Are my parents here?" And when we walked into Merriment Social, our families both surprised Abbey with a loud cheer and she immediately broke down crying happy tears. We had an awesome time celebrating the occasion and I can't thank everyone that helped me with setting that up and being there. We will see all of you at our wedding!!!!