Whenever we ask the question “how did we get so lucky to find each other?” we almost always answer in unison “Boots and Heidi!” It was a warm June evening in 2020. Shelbey had just moved back home to Browntown from Portland, Oregon and Kyle had returned to Juda after a stint in Portland, Maine. Little did they know, they lived just 20 minutes apart and shared the same best friends. Boots and Heidi invited Shelbey to join them for a wave running adventure on the Mississippi River and mentioned “we’re meeting up with my best friend, Kyle”. Together, the four went on a golden hour adventure - Boots and Shelbey managed to explore the bottom of the river, while Kyle and Heidi raced miles ahead. Following an evening on the water, a few drinks were had, lots of laughs were shared, Kyle thought Shelbey was cute - and she wondered if she’d see him again. Fast forward to January 2021. Shelbey found herself on yet another Boots and Heidi adventure, this time in the midst of a snowstorm. The infamous “Time Warp” (what we affectionately and knowingly named Boots and Heidi’s truck) took them to the T&T Saloon in Juda, where serendipity would have it that Kyle had just arrived on his snowmobile. Shelbey was bold and adamant (and slightly intoxicated) in wanting a snowmobile ride, much to Kyle’s chagrin. For Shelbey “didn’t have the right gear” and he was worried about her “safety”. After much back and forth - Shelbey let it go, or so Kyle thought. In true Shelbey fashion, she found another snowmobiler at the bar and convinced them to let her borrow their gear. She suited up and waddled back over the Kyle, proclaiming “I’m ready!” After a quick ride, the two parted again. It took three more encounters through Boots and Heidi before Kyle and Shelbey finally went on an actual date. The first date quickly turned into many more. Days together turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. Kyle and Shelbey opted to move in together in McFarland and through their shared love of traveling, boating, cooking (for Shelbey, just eating), their families, and adventuring, the two fell in love. In July 2024, on the most beautiful summer afternoon, Kyle and Shelbey went out on the boat for what was supposed to be a normal Sunday. The two anchored out - not in a normal spot - but perfectly in view of both the willow tree in University Bay and the Capitol. Kyle got down on one knee and asked Shelbey if she’d spend the rest of her life with him. Now, this part of the story should be really sweet and romantic, but actually Shelbey panicked and frantically demanded Kyle put away the ring for fear it might end up in the water. After a deep breath, a big kiss, an even bigger yes, and her hands stopped shaking - she put the ring on and never took it off again. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our love with all of you in a place that means so much to us. Hawks Mill Winery, where we spent many early dates, is nestled right next door to Shelbey’s mom’s house - the very same house that’s been in her family for over 100 years. It’s where her Great Great Grandparents settled when they came from Germany, where her Great Grandpa and Grandpa were born, and where her family farmed for generations. Much of their original land has since been sold - offering spaces for new families to grow, for the State of Wisconsin to create Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, and for Hawks Mill Winery to call home. We can’t wait to add one more special piece of family history to this special location.