The story begins back to the summer of 2022. I had recently graduated from college, attending my first Minnesota Agriculture Educators Conference at Redwood Falls, MN. My co-teacher/friend Jaclynn and I carpooled together to this event. While on our drive home from conference, she mentions that she has a friend that would be a perfect fit for me. At the time, I told her I wasn't ready to start dating quite yet but maybe in the foreseeable future.

In October 2022, Jaclynn brought up her friend once again while attending National FFA Convention. She mentions that in November they will be attending the Beef Bash in Windom, since they were a part of the Cottonwood County Cattlemen's Association, and she would love for us to join as a blind date. I was very hesitant at first, but it was worth a shot.

Fast forward to the Beef Bash on November 12th, 2022. I was extremely nervous driving to the event. I had plenty of time to stalk Aaron's Facebook page and anything else I could find. Finally, I arrived at the event. Jaclynn joins me at the entrance to introduce me to Aaron. Aaron and I start to talk. He informs me that Luke, Jaclynn's husband, failed to inform him that this was a blind date, so Aaron had no clue he was meeting someone tonight. We continue to talk throughout the night, then Aaron asks me to join him on the dance floor to jitter bug. By the end of the night, we exchange our goodbyes and head home.

Aaron eventually asked Jaclynn for my phone number. We continued going on dates. Then Aaron finally asked me out on December 5th, 2022. Throughout our time together, we have adopted an orange cat named River, have our daily dose of zoomies with Mabel (Aaron's dog), and many happy memories.

On February 20th, 2024, Aaron proposed while on a Pioneer Rewards Trip in the Dominican Republic, which is quite the story. Let's rewind to supper at the Mexican restaurant at the resort. When taking our order, our server was asking us if anyone had any food allergies. We were having a difficult time understanding them due to the language barrier, but a couple beside us knew what they were asking. They informed us that they were asking about our food allergies and apologized for listening on our conversation. We thanked the couple for their help and informed the server that Aaron was allergic to tree nuts.

When we get our meal, we were excited to try everything. However, Aaron had a different opinion after his first bite. He continues to tell us that something was wrong and he was starting to have an allergic reaction. We later realize his sour cream on his enchilada was made with coconut milk; a tree nut.

We hurry out of the restaurant to find the resort clinic while Aaron goes to the bathroom to throw up. While his mom is looking for Benadryl at the clinic, I get his epipen out of my purse. Aaron tells that he is feeling better after throwing up. However, his mom continues to tell him to get checked out by the doctor at the clinic, but he continues to tell us he is fine.

Finally after drinking water, Aaron asks if I would like to join him on a walk. We walk around the resort and stop at a beautiful gazebo surrounding the pool to watch the lights in the sky. He told me to stand still while he takes a photo of me looking at the sky. Then he told me to turn around, only to find out he was down on one knee proposing. My first response was ,"Are you serious?" to ensure this wasn't a joke. It wasn't a joke. We exchange our hugs and kisses, when the couple from the Mexican restaurant come and greet us. They tell us they got a few pictures of him proposing without us even knowing. We exchange numbers and we receive their photos that captured our engagement.

And the rest is history!

A&N