It all began with a birthday party—or rather, two. Alyssa was there to celebrate Mary Ann, and Nile came to honor Jacob, two mutual friends who just happened to share the same special day. Amid the laughter and celebration, Nile noticed Alyssa’s radiant smile. He offered to buy her a drink, but she playfully declined, asking for water instead. Determined to stay close and keep the conversation flowing, Nile spent the evening bringing her countless waters, each one an excuse to keep talking.

Just a few days later, Nile officially asked Alyssa on a date to Lark Brewing in Cedar Falls. After dinner, they returned to her place and spent hours talking on the couch—about life, dreams, and everything in between. From that moment on, their weekends were filled with road trips between Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, countless laughs, cozy movie nights, and dinners made with love.

Two years of growing together led to a beautiful surprise: a proposal at Cedar Ridge Winery. With Alyssa’s best friend Tori and her husband Kurt secretly standing by to capture and celebrate the moment, Nile asked the question that would begin their forever.