Cheers, friends!

We met in college while we were both studying at the library. Just kidding, we were on Welch Ave. Katie recalls making conversation with a quiet, cute, blonde haired gentlemen at the top of the steps at Outlaws. Katie was struck with Ross's kindness and genuine demeanor. Ross thought Katie was funny and full of personality. Soon, a friendship would ensue. Post college we stayed in touch thanks to many mutual friends. Although Katie moved to Indianapolis for four years they would often find themselves meeting up while she was back in Central Iowa. Once Katie moved back to Iowa in 2017, Ross and Katie quickly bonded over a joint interest in Iowa State Cyclones, road biking, socializing, and exploring Central Iowa. On January 1st, 2019, over some mimosas and breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants (G Migs), Ross asked Katie to officially become his girlfriend and we have been inseparable ever since.

On a Sunday afternoon in December Katie and I decided to take a hike at a state park south of West Des Moines. For the hike, I wanted to bring my drone and Katie brought her dog, Bea. When we entered the park, we decided to park and walk through some woods to a beach. I knew this was the day I wanted to propose to Katie and was excited about taking some drone pictures of it on the beach. When we got to the beach, I got my drone out and set it up. As it took off into the air, Katie’s dog Bea went nuts! She really hates the drone! She made loud, weird noises like an animal that was dying. People even came running to make sure nothing was wrong. At that point, I decided the proposal wasn’t going to work, so I flew the drone back down and we walked back to the car. When Katie and I went back to the car and drove around the park, I proposed that we go check out the boat ramp and the water. I wasn’t ready to give up on the proposal just yet. This time I kindly suggested that we leave the dog in the car. Katie agreed and we walked down the boat ramp together with my drone in hand. When we reached the water I folded the drone back out and flew it back up in the air. As the drone got about 25 feet in the air, I quickly turned it on to video mode and turned around to see Katie standing behind me. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. And of course she said yes! Katie is truly the best and I can’t wait to marry her!

It was a very ordinary Sunday. After the gym and running errands we hunkered down on the couch to watch football for the afternoon. Mid afternoon Ross asked me if I wanted to go for a hike at a nearby state park. We settled on Walnut Woods since it was close by and we could be back in time to catch the Chiefs game that evening. Ross, Bea and I loaded up in the car and made the trek to the Park. Ross brought along his drone so he could “fly it & get some pics”. I recall thinking it was a little unusual but didn’t think much of it. Once arriving at the park, we hiked to a sandbar along the Raccoon River. While Bea & I explored the sand bar, Ross got his drone up in the air. Once the drone was off the ground, Bea FLIPPED out - letting out the most obnoxious squeals so everyone within the Park (and beyond) knew very clearly how much she loathed that drone. We decided it was best to get the drone down before someone called animal control. Ross, Bea and I hiked back to the car and drove towards the park exit. Ross suggested we pull over by the boat ramp because “he wanted to get his drone out again”. At this point I was feeling slightly suspicious, but again, I knew (because I had asked him) Ross hadn’t bought a ring. As we walked down the boat ramp (Bea stayed in the car) I subtly patted his back pocket just to be sure there wasn’t a ring back there. Nope just his wallet. I walked around the shore for a bit while Ross got his drone up in the air. I could tell he was messing with some of the settings so I walked over to see what was up. I watched him switch it from “picture” to “video” and asked, “why are you doing that?”. Ross turned around with the biggest grin, pulled a box from his front pocket and got down on one knee to ask “Will you marry me?” I immediately said YES! He had truly surprised me and captured it on video. We returned home to share the good news with our families!