Anika and Holden met at a Kansas City Lutheran Youth Coalition (KCLYC) event at Snow Creek when they were just 12 (Anika) and 13 years old (Holden). Little did Anika know that she was also meeting her future mother-in-law and a future groomsman in her wedding!

They continued to hang out at youth group events and on mission trips all throughout middle school and high school.

COVID hit, and Anika was sent back home to KC from college where Holden was living at the time. He reached out to grab dinner with her and "catch up" after a few years without seeing each other, which led to a second dinner, and a third, and a fourth. Holden then invited her to a New Year's Eve party with his friends and ~officially~ asked her to be his girlfriend.

They had their first official date as a couple at Lidia's in Kansas City! This was also the first night Holden met Anika's parents and sisters.

They went on their first vacation together to Denver, Colorado and Park City, Utah with a day trip to Zion. They survived 40+ hours on the road together and pitching a tent!

Holden's first K-State game! He made lots of weekend trips to Manhappiness while working in Kansas City.

They spent 8 days out East together visiting Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina!

Holden moved to Manhattan, KS and, for the first time in their relationship, Anika and Holden no longer had to navigate long distance. They attended LOTS of Kappa date parties together!

They visited Salina, KS for the first time together to see where Holden's job would eventually take him!

Anika graduated from K-State!

The best day yet! Holden asked Anika to marry him looking over Lake Superior in Grand Marais, MN. This was the same little town Anika's dad proposed to her mom in 25 years prior. It was the most special and memorable weekend!

Holden and Anika moved into their first apartment together in Maize, KS so Anika could start PA school at Wichita State University. They also became the official proud parents of their first fur baby, Chester (the diabetic black cat)!

Their 4th New Year's Eve party together. Holden's most favorite tradition!

They spent their second summer in Wichita exploring more and getting to show friends and family around!