Alex had just finished Optometry school at the end of May of 2023 and decided to make her life much more complicated by making an online dating profile on Hinge. She knew it would make things more difficult by the fact that she would be moving from her current location in Mt. Pleasant to Muskegon for a job that fall. Eric was settled in his home in Midland with a secure job and was wanting to complete the picture with a wife (in fact he made this very clear in their first ever phone conversation). While browsing Hinge, he came across Alex, and with his logically-inclined-engineer-brain he decided she "matched all his criteria". Alex had been on Hinge for a few weeks and was getting pretty sick of the typical small talk of "how are you?" and was pleasantly intrigued when Eric messaged her asking what her ideal first date was. That message sparked interesting and fun conversation that was new for both of them. After talking on the phone a few times, they decided it was time to meet in person. Their first date was at Valley Lanes in Midland where they played a round of putt putt golf (where Alex won by the way) and a few rounds of bowling (where Alex also won by the way). Eric had told himself if Alex was cool enough he would splurge and take her to Gratzi. Well, Alex passed the test, and they enjoyed a very fancy and delicious dinner (especially the brussel sprouts). At the end of the date, without thinking, Alex says "Welp, that's it" (meaning the date in general of course). But the panicked look in Eric's eyes was priceless. After explaining herself, they decided another date would be in order. Their second date was at a restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. Looking out the window at the end of the date trying to decide what to do, Eric suggested going to Menards. So, yes, they did in fact spend their second date at Menards browsing their home decor preferences. Their third date was at Dow Gardens on June 16th, 2023, a now favorite place of theirs to go to together. Afterwards they went to a Loons Game with their now closest mutual friends. Later that evening they decided they were making it official. At this time, they thought that Alex would be moving away later that year, but decided that they were going to somehow make it work. Little did they know, God had been working the entire time, and eventually Alex got hired full time in Alma/Mt. Pleasant so she didn't have to move away from him! Fast forward and they are heading to Arizona to visit Eric's college BFF and his wife (shoutout to Keegan and Pam for amazing photos and hospitality). Alex had fully convinced herself that a proposal was not happening there or any time soon. In fact, a few weeks before, Alex and Katie (her future sister-in-law) had a very deep discussion about the circumstances around which Eric would probably propose, Arizona not being one of them. When they were on the last leg of a beautiful hike in Phoenix, the only thing Alex was thinking about was how much her legs hurt. To her great surprise, Eric got down on one knee! And here they are now, excited to celebrate their love with all of those who love them. Thank you for being a part of our lives, we are so blessed! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬