Katelyn and Michael met on May 20, 2024 during an ice cream date at Summersalt in Prairie Village, KS. Katelyn requested to go there specifically because she knew they had multiple dairy free flavors; and she didn't have the heart to tell Michael that she couldn't eat dairy since ice cream is one of his favorite foods. They bonded over their love of the outdoors, hiking, dogs, ice cream, and the fact that they both worked in healthcare (Katelyn as a NICU nurse and Michael as a pharmacist.) 10-20 mins after returning home post date, Katelyn texted Michael that she had a wonderful time. They were both very excited to see each other again. A week later, they decided to go on a short hike at Lake Jacomo. Afterward, Michael had the sweetest picnic planned with many gluten free and dairy free snacks that Katelyn and him could enjoy. It was the most thoughtful date Katelyn had ever experienced. It was that day that Katelyn knew he easily could be the one. The summer that followed was filled with many adventures around Kansas City with their dogs, and lots of late night chats over the phone. Despite them both going on separate 2-week trips with limited phone service those first few months, they managed to talk every day. Life became better for both of them with the other one in it. Trips to the Buffalo River, the Lake of the Ozarks, Alaska, and Wentzville followed, and they continued to fall in love with their life together. They both decided before the end of 2024 that they wanted to get married. Michael proposed on February 27th while on a sunrise hike in Zion National Park. Katelyn of course, said yes!