Good friends, Zak and Trish were hosting a gender reveal for their upcoming little one... which turned into a late night barn party that we both attended (remember, these are pre-COVID times we are talking about)! Haha. We clicked instantly, spent hours getting to know each other, and wondered with all of our commonalities how we had never crossed paths before. ... Especially with so many mutual friends and living just 15-minutes apart for many years. At the end of the night, Evan suggested that LeighAnn sit in his truck while waiting for her car to warm up and before she left, he asked to trade phone numbers. We will forever remember how we met on a "wild" night (that involves an old school bus) surrounded by friends, live music, and dancing. P.S. That gender reveal we were talking about... It was a BOY and his name is Waylon!

Two days after we met, Evan asked to take LeighAnn on a first date to "Camp Trippalindee," which we scheduled for the following Friday night. Camp Trippalindee is a unique restaurant/bar in downtown Madison, WI that is described as being "inspired by 1980's summer camp movies and offers brats, burgers, s'mores, and craft beers." From there, we ended up bar hopping. LeighAnn chose the additional locations and each one was much worse than the last... To this day, Evan still jokes about how he started our first date off the "right" way and LeighAnn ruined it. Haha. LeighAnn made up for it later on by sharing her previously purchased concert tickets with Evan to see Josh Turner and Trace Adkins at the Crystal Grand Music Theatre! Unfortunately, plans to see LeighAnn's favorite musician, Gary Allan were postponed due to COVID-19 and following multiple rescheduled concerts in 2020 and 2021, he is now rescheduled for... OCTOBER 8, 2021! Obviously, we will be busy getting married that day, so... Hey, Gary Allan, if you happen to read this, you are officially invited to our wedding!

Throughout 2020, we had ongoing conversations about our "life goals" and future plans together. All of which included moving in together, traveling, getting married, and starting a family. On January 9, 2021, we went on a ring shopping date together that Evan had planned with Chalmers Jewelers in Madison, WI to get "ideas." LeighAnn did not expect to walk away from the appointment with an engagement ring AND matching wedding band, but that's what happened! Ultimately, LeighAnn selected the two bands and Evan chose the diamond. On January 10, 2021, we toured, fell in love with, and secured our venue (and date) at Harvest Moon Pond! On January 25, 2021, Evan was notified that the rings were ready to be picked up! Later that same day he visited with LeighAnn's family (Mom and Grandfather) and showed them the rings! On January 26, 2021, we got in Evan's truck and he said, "There is a surprise hidden somewhere in here for you... if you can find it!" Of course, LeighAnn knew what she was looking for (or thought she did), but could not find it for a while. Haha. When she did, Evan said, "Will you marry me?" (OF COURSE!) After telling our family and close friends, we posted the announcement on Facebook and felt all the love start flooding in. We ended the day with an engagement dinner celebration together at The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant with several courses of unique entrees, salads, and desserts. Then, we learned how to properly spell fiancé and fiancée!

... From the very beginning, we both have said many times that neither of us have ever smiled more or laughed harder. We are excited about our future with many smiles and so much laughter built into the foundation of our relationship. We continue to be surprised by our relationship and how it can be this wonderful, because it really is wonderful! And so, TWO years and THREE days later... we are getting married and we want YOU to join us! We cannot wait to share our smiles and laughter with all of you on our wedding day! Love, The Future Mr. & Mrs. Halverson