We met in a small group through our church back in fall of 2020 when Shannon had just moved up to Boise, and really began to hit it off as friends in January of 2021. We spent lots of time on adventures with our friend group, including star gazing, hikes, picnics, and game nights! As we got to know one another better, we really valued spending time around each other and just couldn't seem to get enough! Our first date ended up being superseded by another last minute date - the day before - where we went for a hike and just talked for hours - so much so that we hiked about 9 miles before even noticing where the time had gone! From that date to our official first (or second - you decide) date, we dove headfirst into a relationship that was characterized by the desire to learn everything about one another, to laugh constantly, to pursue the Lord together, watch tons of movies, and never hesitate to love to the fullest. And it just keeps getting better!

On Sunday, January 2nd, Mackenzie took me out to brunch at the place where we had our first date in the North End - we even sat in the same spot! We shared stories about how it felt back when we hardly knew each other or where things would go, but how incredibly excited we both were on that day. After brunch, we grabbed some hot coffee (as it was about 10 degrees outside) and headed over to Kathryn Albertson Park on the Greenbelt. We strolled through the snow covered forest, taking in the birds and beautiful frosted path. He brought me over to a lookout by a frozen pond, and before I knew it, he was on his knee holding the most beautiful ring and saying the sweetest words! It was a blur of tears and smiles and raw joy, but was so perfectly intimate and beautiful. Afterwards, we got to celebrate with a surprise engagement party with some of our close friends & family. What a way to ring in the new year!