W E L C O M E

Kristen had recently moved back to Kansas City after spending two sunlit years in Jupiter, Florida post-graduation. She quickly befriended new coworkers at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and they soon became her social network. On a warm Sunday afternoon, an impromptu invitation for afternoon Palomas at the Crossroads’ Percheron rooftop turned into dinner; dinner evolved into a night cap; and on the eve of Memorial Day, Kristen found herself sun-kissed, sprightly and flirting with fate where all great love stories start—dancing at a bar in Westport. Kristen’s college friends will tell you that, “twirling is the key to her heart.” So, when a tall, stranger wearing a quirky bird-shirt asked for her hand to dance, she soon found herself dizzied; both by his charming appearance and smooth, two-stepping moves. During the next few songs, she gleaned that this man had taken dance lessons with his friends at Kanza Hall while attending Rockhurst University. Eager to learn more, the two made their way to a quieter spot across the bar. This man introduced himself as Baa-la-kay, commonly known as Blake. Kristen laughed politely (and later Googled Key & Peele). Blake shared that he had also recently moved back to Kansas City after completing his Doctorate at Creighton University. Excitedly, Kristen chimed in that she had spent her freshman year of undergrad at Creighton. Skeptically, Blake wondered why anyone would leave Creighton and where she transferred to. As Kristen started to explain the dynamics of her time at Saint Mary’s College at the University of Notre Dame, Blake interrupted to exclaim that he was a HUGE Notre Dame fan and his family is SUPER Catholic. Although traditionally Kristen was one to let a gentleman make the first move, she was not afraid to ask for the telephone number of the guy willing to confidently yell “WE’RE SUPER CATHOLIC” in a crowded bar.

Still needing a date to attend a coworker’s upcoming wedding, Kristen didn’t have any hesitations about asking Blake. Normally one to ruminate for days about a wild idea, she didn’t think twice about taking a chance on the handsome, well-educated, witty, mystery man. Only knowing the bride and one attendant at the upcoming wedding, she had little to lose. The exchange with Blake went something like this… KW: “Happy Birthday, Balakay! Do you have any big plans this weekend?” BP: “Thanks! Probably just grilling and chilling at the pool with the guys. Wbu” KW: “I don’t normally make a habit out of asking strangers to do this kind of thing, but what are the odds you’d like to be my plus one at a wedding?” BP: “Haha when’s the wedding?” KW: “Friday at 6:00!” BP: “Why not! Haha. It’s a good thing I’m not shy.” Blake was celebrating his birthday with his friends and former Rockhurst baseball teammates at Ponacs Mexican Grill when he received Kristen’s invitation. Margaritas may have contributed to Blake’s unreluctantly quick acceptance; but he was tickled by this girl’s audacity. Leading up to their first date, the two continued to flirt and banter joking affectionately about how little they actually knew one another; and the juxtaposition of how serious a wedding date usually is… BP: “I need to apologize; did you hear my laugh at the bar last weekend?” KW: “Uh I don’t think so. It was hard to hear much of anything” BP: “Fair warning, it’s a head turner. Do I have your permission to embarrass you in front of coworkers?” KW: “I dare you to try. Haha can’t wait to hear it. I should probably apologize too” BP: “Why?” KW: “I told my coworkers I’m bringing my fiancé. You’re cool with that, right?” BP: “Haha absolutely. Did I get you a big rock or a ring pop?” KW: “Both. Only the best for your fake fiancé.”

As the day evolved, Kristen's first date jitters evaporated, & she graciously accepted Blake's invitation to pick her up. As she stepped into his truck, he explained he had tried to find her a ring pop. Unfortunately, they were out of stock. He brought her something more “age appropriate” instead. She laughed out loud at the baby bottle pop this man (7 months older) was holding. Attending a wedding is truly the ideal first date: your favorite party dress, the opportunity to use your manners, a lovely meal, & a rocking DJ. After endless twirls, dad jokes, & more flirty banter Kristen & Blake made their way to his car. The high energy was palpable. It was clear neither really wanted the night to end. Blake offered the perfect solution, “So Kristen, my buddies said if my date went south, my back up plan could be joining them at the Brooksider for live music. But this has been awesome, do you want to come too?” Kristen was ecstatic to spend more time with this man full of rhythm & heart. Maybe it was the band's set list & musical talent or maybe it was the enthusiasm of budding love, but that evening the Brooksider could have rivaled any 90s pop comeback tour. A true gentleman, Blake promised to have Kristen home before midnight. As they made their way to her Plaza apartment, Kristen knew she wanted to see Blake again. KW: “Would you like to come over for salmon on Sunday?” He was stunned. “Kristen. Whoa. You’re not even giving me a chance to ask you on our 2nd date, and you already have a menu planed?” KW: “Yes, I like to cook. You’ll learn. Is that a yes?” BP: “I wouldn’t miss it. What can I bring?” KW: “The last time I asked for a ring pop, you gave me a baby bottle. I don’t trust your ability to bring groceries, but you can bring white wine.” Blake showed up on Sunday with Kristen’s favorite Chardonnay, a colorful bouquet of flowers, and a wholesale sized bag of ring pops. The rest, as they say, is history.

I knew I wanted to marry Kristen Marie on the night I told her I loved her. We had been dating for three months. She is the sweetest, purest, and most kindhearted person I have ever met. She continually challenges me in every aspect of my life: career, faith, friendships, diet, organization, cleanliness, and style to name a few. She makes me laugh when I am down. She always has a smile, and she greets me with the biggest hug every time we embrace. I love that we can go 100 miles/hour or sit and do nothing. We always have a great time just being together. When I picture my life 5, 10, or 50 years down the road, Kristen is right there with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Her values -specifically family oriented, adventurous, charismatic, and witty- keep me wanting more. I was a nervous wreck on the day of the proposal. I had planned a full day of adventures to keep us occupied and keep her guessing. We started with brunch on the Plaza at Rye, next was the Star Exhibit at the Union Station Planetarium, an espresso martini at Pierponts, board games at Pawn & Pint, and the main event at the Nelson Atkins Museum featuring the Monet: Water Lilies exhibit. Little did I know, the walk-in capacity was full. Thinking quickly, I secretly texted the photographer to adjust our plans. As we made our way to the southside garden, I apologized to Kristen for not finding tickets ahead of time. I knew how excited she was to see the new exhibit. In true Kristen fashion, she responded, “The sun is shining and we’ve had a wonderful day. Don’t worry, I’m perfectly content right now.” I saw the photographer in position and took this as the perfect segue to take a knee… I felt instant relief and joy when she said yes! After a few candid photos, we took a private stroll around the sculpture garden. I was so thankful to soak in this moment together with my one true love. Our final adventure included a helicopter ride over KC. It seemed fitting to take our love to new heights.