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We were both members of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. Riley, who was the president at the time, demonstrated his leadership skills by obliviously not picking up on Carissa’s subtle flirtations. Despite this, their paths often crossed during meetings and service projects. Carissa admired Riley’s dedication and humor, while Riley appreciated Carissa’s enthusiasm and kindness. Carissa would drop hints and playful comments, but Riley, focused on his responsibilities, remained unaware. After nearly a year of missed signals and growing admiration, Riley finally asked Carissa out.

On the last day of the school year, we went to Jethro’s, the best local BBQ spot in Des Moines. Carissa, full of excitement and stories, kept the conversation flowing effortlessly, while Riley listened quietly (a theme that will continue). As the evening drew to a close, we found ourselves lingering outside, savoring the moment. Despite the slight awkwardness, we shared a heartfelt side hug, a gesture that hinted at the promise of something more. Shortly after, Carissa left for a two-month adventure to Peru, leaving us both with memories of a night that marked the beginning of our journey together. Little did we know, that awkward side hug would be the first of many charmingly humorous moments in our relationship.

Our love story is a tapestry woven with countless little moments that brought us closer together. From quirky dates at interactive art museums, where we laughed and marveled at the creativity around us, to the unexpected charm of psychiatric museums that sparked deep conversations, every outing was an adventure. Our weekly coffee dates at cozy local cafes became a cherished ritual, each cup of coffee a step on our journey to forever. Every experience, no matter how unusual or mundane, has been a delightful chapter in our story, filled with laughter, discovery, and love.

The Proposal at Union Station - Disney 100 Exhibit In a perfect world, this would have happened at a Disney Park, but Riley found a magical alternative. He planned a day filled with wonder, starting with tickets to a Lucasfilm/Pixar fine artist session in the morning, followed by the Disney 100 exhibit in the afternoon. In between, Riley had a secret plan. He hired a photographer and, with a mix of excitement and nerves, convinced Carissa to step outside in front of Union Station. As they stood by the fountain with the Liberty Memorial Building in the background, Riley dropped to one knee and revealed a stunning ring. Carissa’s reaction was priceless as she was actually speechless for once. With a heartfelt “Yes!” Riley embraced her, and the photographer captured the perfect moment of their love and commitment.