We go way back—like juice boxes and kickball kind of back. Our parents have been friends for years, so we spent a lot of our childhood running around the same places: cheering at wrestling tournaments, playing on the sidelines during weekend kickball games, and probably sneaking snacks together without even realizing it.

Fast forward to high school, when we finally started talking (like, actually talking) and hanging out. During Austin’s senior year, he asked Ellie to be his girlfriend—and we’ve been laughing, loving, and growing together ever since.

As for the proposal... it was very us.

Leading up to it, Austin asked Ellie’s dad for permission during a long (and hilariously awkward) Christmas Eve car ride to the family cabin. After a few jokes and a “Are you sure you want to marry her?” moment, he got the green light.

On December 30th, Austin, his mom, and Ellie’s mom went ring shopping—but they had to leave their phones behind because Ellie has Find My Friends and was totally tracking them. One month later, Austin asked Ellie to take the day off work for a casual ice fishing trip. She said yes (to the day off… the other yes came later).

After a morning spent with Ellie’s dad looking at boats (because why not?), Austin pulled off the surprise of a lifetime. He picked up flowers, got a haircut, set up the fish house on the lake, and had everything ready. When Ellie walked in, he was already on one knee with the ring waiting.

Ellie’s response? Not your typical “yes.” More like:

“SHUT THE F**K UP,”

followed by a few playful “I hate you”s.

Never actually saying “yes,” but trust us—she meant it.

A&E

Ceremony

Reception