We met through mutual friends during our first year of college in 2009. Admittedly, at first we did not think anything of each other besides just being good friends. Three years and a road trip later, everything changed. Sara told Blake on November 11th, 2011 that she thought he was cute (yes, Sara made the first move)! After a few months, Blake asked Sara out on July 29th, 2012 in Las Vegas. Hence why we are getting married on July 29th! What a great way to celebrate our 6 year anniversary!

Blake had already picked out the right ring, he had gathered up whatever courage he had left to ask Sara's parents for her hand in marriage, and he was ready to bring the relationship to the next level and he knew Sara was too. They both went to Western Europe for 10 weeks with their backpacks and nothing else but each other. Family had encouraged Blake not to bring the actual ring, so he got a placeholder from his Nana and hid it deep in his backpack. He pulled it out several times throughout the trips at places he thought could possibly be the place (Eiffel Tower, and they sort of made a pact to visit the 'highest' part of each place that oversees the town). However, almost immediately after they got into Germany (this was about half way through the trip), Blake could see how much Sara's eyes, smile, and whole body lit up. She was home. This was where her ancestors before her created their families, asked their loved ones to marry them, and eventually led to the existence of Sara. Blake knew that this absolutely must be the place for it to happen, luckily they had met a new friend, Kilian, who was a wonderful guide and led us around. The night before the last day in Germany, while Sara went to visit the ladies' room, Blake asked Kilian quickly if he could help him make the proposal happen. Kilian happily obliged and suggested Olympiaburg, a hill that oversees the city of Munich. So came the next day, Blake's nerves were kicking in, but Sara was too distracted by the sightseeing of Munich. When the sun began to set, Kilian nudged Blake and told him that it was now or never. So he began to lead us all up the hill where we spent a few minutes taking in the sights. Sara then recommended that we make a video (we made videos of almost every major attraction in Europe, so this fell right into the plan) and of course, Blake agreed. It was during this video that Blake expressed his profound love for Sara and got on one knee, and the rest is history.