Our mutual friend, Blake, coincidentally invited us both over to watch Premier League soccer on a snowy, Sunday morning in February of 2022. After some silly conversations and sharing glances with one another we said our goodbyes. Will shortly followed Sooz on social media but didn't pursue further, despite telling his sister, Michaela, "I think I love her [Sooz]". A month passed and it was Will's Birthday. Sooz confidently wished Will a "Happy Birth", stoking a flame that was still lingering from their first meeting. Will asked Sooz on a date and was initially denied, granted she said she had "plans already". Will asked once more and they went on their first date to Surly, followed by a Minnesota United Soccer game. They spent every minute of the rest of that weekend together, side by side.

After two years together Will and Sooz started looking for houses, but struck out. Will got the idea to propose instead of continuing the house hunt. Will and Sooz already had a trip to Oregon planned in August and Will thought it was the perfect opportunity to propose. Will wasn't sure how or where he was going to propose in Oregon but he wanted it to be perfect. The first day in Oregon they drove out to Bend and did a sunset hike at Smith Rock. Little did they know, they took the "Misery Ridge Trail loop," which is a 3.7 mile loop with a 3,360 foot summit. After a strenuous and sweaty hike, trying to beat the sun going down, Will and Sooz made it to the top and shared a beer together. It was just the two of them on top of that rock, watching the sun set on the horizon. It was the perfect moment to start a new chapter together.