We're getting married!

It is crazy to think how much one person can change the entire course of your life. For both Dirk and Sierra, that person was Brad Morris. Brad is one of Dirk's best childhood friends and is also one of Sierra's great college friends. Over the years, Brad grew to know Sierra and Dirk really well and started to scheme. It was March 2018 and Brad had just texted Sierra to ask if she was dating anyone and to inquire if she would be interested in going on a blind date with a good friend of his. Brad did his best to market his friend as a hot commodity and had mentioned he had been thinking of setting them up for quite some time. Brad stated he thought they would have a lot in common and get along great. Sierra took the bait and after helping to nudge Dirk into starting a conversation with Sierra, Brad stepped back and let the pieces fall into place. Thank you Brad, for not only changing our lives with your friendship over the years, but for changing our lives through your exceptional matchmaking skills!

Dirk eventually asked Sierra if she would like to go on a date with him. He suggested a hike around Camel's Back Park in Boise and the two agreed to the date on March 16th, 2018. Dirk picked up Sierra from her parents house and the two drove off towards what would admittedly be one of the most uncoordinated dates the two had ever been on. Sierra quickly realized Dirk had not made a plan for how the date would go. Dirk had planned for a hike around Camel's Back Park but nothing else. They both agreed to a few games of pool at The Ranch Club then decided dinner at the Yard House would be a good idea. Upon entering the restaurant, the hostess led them to a table for two. Once seated, Dirk's entire demeanor changed and he seemed to clam up quick. Sierra wasn't sure why there was such a sudden change in mood for Dirk but chalked it up to his lost interest in her (Sierra would later find out that the hostess was a woman Dirk had recently dated and ghosted... no wonder he was quiet!!) After dinner Dirk drove Sierra home, gave her a quick hug at the door, and said "See you later!" Neither one of them thought they'd ever plan to see each other again. But that is what is funny about life; You plan and God laughs.

There was something about Dirk that kept Sierra intrigued. Sierra decided first impressions aren't everything and the two should have a go about it once more. They continued to text over the next week and agreed to a date at a hockey game. They had a blast and continued to text and make plans to spend time together over the next few weeks. Life was moving quick and before you know it, they were spending more time together than apart. They found common ground in wanting to travel the world, grow in their careers, and spend time with their friends and family. Dirk and Sierra decided to make it official and become boyfriend and girlfriend. This was just the start; they were ready for takeoff! Dirk and Sierra spent the next few years growing in love. They traveled together visiting the small town of Salmon, hiking through National Parks in Utah, skiing in Park City, and taking trips to family cabins. They navigated many life events and changes, providing support and love to each other during the best and worst of times. After a career change would require Dirk to move overseas, the two agreed to move together to Hawaii and continue their relationship. Here they survived a global pandemic, met new life long friends together, explored their new home, and continued to grow in love. It was in Hawaii when Dirk bought an engagement ring and called Sierra's dad. It was time to take the next step. Sierra's mom and dad gave Dirk their blessing, and once again they were ready for takeoff!

Dirk has never been one to keep secrets. He is a terrible liar and does not have a poker face. Sierra was convinced he would blow his cover whenever he was to try and plan an engagement surprise. One night while out with friends, Sierra was telling her sister and friends that she would KNOW if Dirk was trying to plan any sort of engagement. After all, he can't keep a secret! He told her when he bought an engagement ring and told her when he called her dad to ask for her hand. Sierra even shared how Dirk is not a planner, he didn't even have a plan for their first date... how could he plan for an engagement?! Sierra and her friends all giggled and fantasized about what their possible engagements could be like. The next morning, Sierra and Dirk woke up to an invitation from her sister Kacie to come play board games and chill at the house. Sierra wasn't sure she wanted to go; they'd spent all night out drinking and she was tired. But eventually she agreed. Imagine Sierra's surprise when, after entering the house and seeing photos, roses, and a small little box on a chair, she realizes Dirk DID have an engagement plan and DID have a secret that he kept well hidden. It was an obvious answer to his question; YES!