It all started on the internet (21st century dating apps) during summer 2023! We matched with each other and first learned what exotic animals we would have as pets. After this icebreaker, our conversations continued, and we started learning more about each other. We talked constantly throughout the month of July, and finally, August 5th, we met in person. The original plan for our first date was to meet downtown Sioux Falls, walk around, and just get to know each other better. But the weather had other plans and it decided to pour. So, I made an audible and suggested we go axe throwing, as it seemed like a fun, low-pressure activity that would still give us the chance to talk. Sarah, being very punctual, arrived early, as most people would. I was already nervous, and running late only added to my nerves, as I really wanted the date to go well. We had a great time throwing axes and talking on our first date. Once we went our separate ways, I knew right away that I wanted to learn more about Sarah. We went on more dates after that, including facetiming, staying out late talking, mini-golf, having Culver’s in my classroom, making S’mores cookies, and watching The Dark Knight. Then, on September 27th, we made it official!

Christmas 2024 I was lucky to be invited to Arizona with Sarah’s family. The trip itself was an amazing time, and it was also the perfect chance to ask Sarah’s parents for their blessing to propose. There were plenty of opportunities to ask, but naturally, I waited till the last day when we were packing up to leave. Sarah went on a walk with her sister, and I realized I didn’t have much time before she’d be back, so I had to act fast. The nerves were overwhelming—I wanted to make sure I said the right thing and got the answer I was hoping for! All that nervous anticipation for a 5 minute conversation that went exactly as I hoped! I thought the proposal was a well thought out secret. The plan was simple: lead Sarah to believe her family wanted to take family pictures in Sioux Falls. For a long time, she was convinced! Everyone was on board—Sarah’s siblings, parents, roommate, and my parents did an excellent job keeping it a secret. I was confident Sarah wouldn’t catch on! That is, until a week before the proposal, when a simple head nod and a phone call set off Sarah’s ‘detective’ instincts. First, when Sarah called her dad to wish him a happy birthday, the family picture topic came up. Sarah’s dad rushed to end the call, which struck her as strange since their conversations never end that quickly. The second clue came when she saw me and her roommate exchange a head nod confirming that Sarah’s nails would be done. Sarah put everything together and even made a note in her phone: “Christen proposing this weekend??” Saturday, February 15th—proposal day! (Also one of the coldest days of the year!) I thought the plan was flawless and that Sarah had no idea what was coming. Everything was going smoothly—until I saw Sarah’s family arrive earlier than expected, and I didn’t do a good job hiding my reaction. Another clue for Sarah! Her family quickly came up with an excuse to give us a couple more minutes, and we continued walking to the proposal location. (I tried to convince Sarah to take off her winter jacket so we wouldn’t have it in the pictures, but I didn’t do a great job of persuading her.) We finally arrived at the proposal spot. I took her hand, got down on one knee, reached for the ring, and was ready to ask her to marry me—but before I could say a word, Sarah shouted, “I KNEW IT!” I was left smiling and speechless. I thought I had kept the plan a secret, but I should have known she would figure it out. After Sarah celebrated her victory of figuring out the surprise, I continued with the proposal. She said yes, and we went on to celebrate with our families. As much as I wanted to surprise Sarah with the proposal, I couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out!