We met at a wedding in the summer of 2019 — Josh was a groomsman, and Maddie was the officiant (Shoutout to Sam and Nicole Bobholz for the matchmaking). About one month later, Maddie invited Josh to the Minnesota State Fair as an excuse to see him again. That “first date” turned into a three-day adventure filled with fair food, sightseeing, and laughter as they explored all the Minnesota classics — the cherry and the spoon, the Stone Arch Bridge, and more. The years that followed were marked by long-distance love and countless miles between us. From South Dakota to Afghanistan, we became pros at finding each other across time zones. Maddie even joined Josh in Hawaii for two semesters of law school — because studying is always better with the ocean and someone you love. In February 2024, Josh finally moved to Minnesota, where we settled into our first apartment and adopted our first puppy, Dakota. That December, five years later, Josh proposed on the Stone Arch Bridge - surrounded by both of their families and closest friends. We bought our first house in March 2025 and are now thrilled to be building our life together. No more long distance! Just love, laughter, and lots of puppy cuddles. Through a couple of moves, a pandemic, 5 years of long distance, and the Bar exam, we are now happily living and working (and dog parenting) just north of Minneapolis.