Sam and I met briefly at UW- Stevens Point while we were both attending the university. A few years later we matched on Hinge, an online dating app, and Sam asked me on a date. We met at Interstate State Park for our first date and hiked the Potholes trail together. We were having such a good time that we decided to keep the date going and headed to The Drive Inn, where we shared a pile of chicken strips and fries and continued talking.

When we talked about engagement rings, Allie shared how much she loved her grandmother’s diamond. It was especially meaningful to her, knowing her grandparents had a strong and loving marriage. I secretly asked Allie’s mom for the ring and later met with her parents in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to receive it and ask for their blessing. Afterward, I had the ring cleaned and customized with two emerald side stones, since emeralds are Allie’s favorite gemstone.

I proposed in the sunroom of our Airbnb, overlooking Lake of the Woods in Canada. She said yes and was so happy with the ring. Later, when my parents returned from fishing, we shared the news with them and celebrated together.