G & H

Hayden and Gracie first met in high school on the annual Emminance camping trip with their families. They really got to know each other when Gracie transferred to Lindenwood her junior year, Hayden’s senior year. At the time neither one was looking for a relationship. Hayden was serving as the president of Lindenwood's Catholic Student Union and finishing his medic license, while Gracie was still adjusting to a new school and friends. A month and half later, your favorite couple had still never spent one on one time together. Yet with only the bribe of coffee, Hayden had convinced Gracie to join him at the homecoming parade. He had to go to work while Gracie went to the homecoming game, but she decided to stop by Hayden’s work (Aldi) right before they closed. She walked in and bought 4 gallons of milk 10 minutes before closing (yes, she was THAT girl). Hayden was so confused why she was there but decided to ask her to hang out after he was done with work. She said yes and they went to a park where they talked for hours until the police kicked them out. Hayden asked her out on an official date after the cop left. And the rest is history.

The week leading up to February 1st, Gracie was suspicious of a possible proposal. Hayden picked up on this and tactfully convinced her that engagement would not be coming anytime soon. Gracie was so thoroughly convinced that, figuring it was just another date, she asked Hayden if they could run some errands before going out. After errands, they went to the park where Hayden first told Gracie he loved her. They walked and talked and found themselves on a wooden bridge overlooking the Missouri River. Hayden said, “Gracie, you know I love you and I want to marry you right?” He had said this to Gracie before but never with a ring. She was getting tired of it and was about to yell at him. As she turned around, he was getting down on one knee. He asked, “Will you marry me?” Baffled, she replied: “Is this real??? The whole scene felt like a dream. She said yes with tears streaming down her face. They began their engagement with Adoration and Confession, then celebrated at a winery before an engagement party with both their families!