Taylor and Andrea’s story began a long time ago, in the year 1994 to be exact. They met as classmates in preschool at David’s Star when they were 5 and have been friends ever since. While they were both in 6th grade, Taylor's family built a new house in Jackson that coincidentally Andrea's dad, Kurt, built. With the move they now lived a block away from each other with backyards that were almost connected. They would often ride four-wheelers back and forth to each other homes as well as ride to school together. A few years later, they went to KML and continued to be classmates and friends. Over time their relationship developed from friends to best friends. Eventually both of them were in search for their exclusive first car. Andrea chose a stick shift Nissan Passat, but struggled to grasp the stick shift life from the start. Their families then determined that it actually may be better for the Passat to be Taylor’s first car. The sale was made and another connection formed. Taylor then would pick Andrea up if she ever felt the urge to hop into the Passat again.Both were dedicated high school athletes who also hung out with the same group of friends. From hanging out in Andrea’s pink room, to upnorth trips, to being interested in the same hobbies, and anything that involved sports, the bond continued to become even stronger. So strong that before Andrea left for North Dakota State, Taylor thought it was the right time to ask Andrea out. With 5 simple goldfish and a cheap fishbowl, he coined the phrase “Of all the fish in the sea, Will you go out with me”? After 4 days without an answer Taylor knew he was being rejected. The answer in fact was no, and for awhile Taylor was devastated. Fortunately he and Andrea continued to always keep in touch, and remained best friends even though he was turned down. The fact that their friendship never changed was a sign of future things to come. Both supported each other during their collegiate careers, and Andrea made a point to come to one of Taylor’s college basketball games every year during her Christmas break. Eventually Andrea moved back home from her undergrad career to start grad school at Concordia to obtain her masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Taylor also found his way back home after living in Appleton for a year after getting a new job at Zywave in Milwaukee. The relationship never faded over the long distance and time apart that eventually Taylor sensed Andrea may not reject him this time. She eventually was ready to give Taylor another chance and they began dating. The rest is history from there.

It all started in the middle of March when they found out that their good family friend’s bowling event was going to be on Friday, April 5th. After bowling in it for years, Andrea had planned for everyone to bowl again. But when Andrea asked everyone to bowl in it, everyone came up with a unique excuse and Taylor said his grandpa wanted to take them to dinner that night to celebrate Taylor’s birthday. Little did Andrea know at the time that so many people were involved in the proposal and this was only the start.

Taylor’s birthday was on Tuesday, April 2 and Andrea met him for a special birthday lunch. During lunch they chatted about the weekend plans and Taylor let Andrea know that he had the whole Friday night planned already and he didn't need her help. He let her know that they were going to dinner with Taylor’s grandparents and parents at 5:30 in Port Washington with drinks before. (Side Note: Port Washington happens to be a location that reminds them of their high school memories together like checking out the lighthouse and spending time by the lake.) His coworker told him about a new bluff area in Port that had incredible views of Lake Michigan. Taylor had mentioned he was even going to wear a button down and dress up for the dinner. After knowing the “birthday dinner” details, Andrea was excited because Port Washington is one of her favorite places and it was a perfect night to celebrate a birthday. Andrea’s mom and sister, Kirsten, even played along and encouraged her to dress up. Lori even steamed the whole outfit. Both of them looked incredibly sharp.

Taylor picked up Andrea right at 4:30 PM and the plan was in action. Taylor could tell Andrea had no idea what was about to happen. As they held hands on the way, she asked him specifically are you nervous or something. He looked over straight faced at her, laughed and said yes. She laughed also, but still had not the slightest clue of what was about to happen. After the longest 25 minute ride of his life to Port Washington, the two arrived at the top of the bluff. Taylor grabbed Andrea’s hand and proceeded to speed walk to the location that had been set up with the engagement materials. Sitting there over the bluff on a wooden staircase was an easel that read “Can’t Picture Life Without You”. Andrea simply thought it was a local artist painting the small lighthouse that looms in the distance. When she walked up with Taylor, there was also a light string of pictures that included pictures from preschool up to current day of those two with MARRY ME in the middle. Taylor quickly dropped down to one knee and spit out “Will You Marry Me?” as quickly as he could as he pulled out the ring. Thankfully Andrea didn't take long to say yes. Immediately they heard screaming and turned around to see Kirsten and Morgan, who had flown home from North Carolina to surprise them and be in attendance. They both had hid in the bushes and caught the plan in action on their phones. Meanwhile Alex, who was on crowd control at the bottom of the staircase bluff, raced up the stairs to congratulate them also. Many incredible pictures were taken, and then the 5 proceeded to dinner at the Twisted Willow to celebrate. The restaurant was a perfect host, and served the newly engaged couple champagne and other drinks. After a great dinner, Taylor told Andrea they were heading to his parents house to celebrate and show both parents the ring. As they arrived in the driveway, Taylor told Andrea he had one more final surprise. Instead of just the families being there, all of Taylor and Andrea’s friends were patiently waiting inside of the house to celebrate with them. Once Andrea figured out what was going on, tears started to leak down her eyes. Both walked in to a rousing applause from family and friends and were congratulated by everyone. The party was on! Taylor even setup the same old fishbowl that he had been rejected with 10 years ago. He went with a similar saying “Of all the fish in the sea, will you marry me?” Thankfully the answer was different this time and everyone stayed late in the night to help celebrate the perfect proposal and night. It was a night that will never be forgotten!