We are so excited to celebrate with you!

In 2014, we were both living in La Crosse, Wisconsin while Riley was attending UW-Lacrosse and I Viterbo University. On one cool, fall night we met at a social gathering of a mutual friend. I saw Riley from across the room and one small conversation led to me getting his number the next day. In the following weeks, we went on many hiking and coffee dates. Our love traveled far as we spent the first four years as a long distance couple nearly 1,900 miles apart from each other. Many phone calls, flights, and one long road trip later we found ourselves living together in sweet home Alabama as Riley worked towards his Ph D in fisheries and I adapted to southern living while working at a medical office. After six years of fun love we finally get to say "I do!"

Riley had planned a spur of the moment trip to the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He knows how much I love the clear ocean and white sands so it was the perfect spot, especially in the midst of a pandemic! We got to the beach in the early morning and walked the soft, white sands until we found the perfect spot to rest and relax for the day. We went and jumped in the warm ocean and then laid down on our beach towels to relax. Riley asks me to go on a walk with him; he got up first and I followed. We stood there gazing at the beautiful view of the ocean and as I turn around to put my sandals on, Riley is down on one knee with an open ring box. I was shocked to say the least. It was totally unexpected. He asked me to marry him and I said, YES! It was perfect.