Andrew and Katelynn met through a mutual friend - the internet. They both infamously “swiped right” on each other, through the dating app, Bumble. Per Bumble’s guidelines, Katelynn (being the female) had to interact first, so she gave it go, and surprisingly Andrew responded. Initially connecting over working night shift in Law Enforcement, they continued to message through the app. After a few days, Andrew asked for Katelynn’s phone number, and they continued communicating through text. Andrew suggested they meet in person by going on a walk; what turned out to be a 3 Mile, hour and a half hike, in the 90+ degree heat, on the Fourth of July in Downtown Midland (this is a story Katelynn loves to tell). Regretfully leaving one of her many water bottles in her car, Katelynn was dying of thirst. She suggested they go get drinks, meaning water (clearly wasn’t specified), but Andrew said no, because he thought it was too early to drink an alcoholic beverage. Katelynn being a people pleaser just continued with the walk. Katelynn and Andrew got to know each other even more during this strenuous walk. Katelynn ended the walk due to her overwhelming thirst, but did make it very clear she wanted to meet again. For a few more months Katelynn and Andrew continued to go on dates and text, until they decided to make it “official” and begin dating.

As Andrew introduced Katelynn to life outside of Michigan, they found a love for traveling and exploring. On June 14, 2024 they took a weekend vacation to Washington, D.C. To ensure the proposal was a surprise, Andrew hid the engagement ring within a shoe in his suitcase, hoping that T.S.A. didn’t pull him aside for a secondary check. Thankfully, he made it through with no issues. As they explored our Nation’s Capitol, Katelynn had a feeling Andrew was going to propose on this trip, but as they closed in on their final night, with no proposal, she was not so sure. After their final dinner in D.C. Andrew suggested they go to Washington National Cathedral and The Bishop’s Garden, that is when Katelynn knew he was going to propose, because Andrew NEVER makes plans. Katelynn knew not to tell Andrew she knew what was about to happen. After two Uber rides (Andrew gave the first the wrong address, and took us to an Embassy), they arrived at the Cathedral and began to explore. Andrew found a semi private section within the Gardens, and that is where the proposal happened. Andrew told Katelynn, how much he loved her, hugging her from behind. Saying her name, Andrew let go of Katelynn, and as she turned around he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. With tears in her eyes, Katelynn joyfully said yes.