It all began with a tan line.

Specifically, Becca’s very striking running watch tan line, which caught Gerrit’s attention on social media. Naturally, he commented (how could he not?). A few days later, Gerrit posted about winning a work rewards trip, and Becca—never one to miss a good opportunity—asked if he was bringing a guest… though she politely clarified that she probably didn't qualify since they had just met and were only acquaintances (Spoiler: she absolutely did qualify the next year.)

Fast forward a bit, and after some back-and-forth messaging, Becca asked Gerrit to help fix her bike. Gerrit still swears this was a clever flirt; Becca maintains it was a purely innocent ask for help. The bike didn't get fixed for months—but it did lead to a first date at a dive bar and an old-school bowling alley (Bonus points if you can guess who won at bowling). The rest is… well, here we are.

Since then, life together has meant joining a small group at church, long runs, long bikes, long swims (Yes, we did a triathlon and Becca did survive the swim), long car rides jamming to Gavin DeGraw, walks to Balistreries for a medium pepperoni special (no olives, please) followed by ice cream at Gilles, playing (slightly competitive) games of Scrabble and Yahtzee, reading our books side by side and plenty of time spent at our favorite places—like the black loop at Lapham, trips to Baraboo (ask Becca about her first trip to Baraboo) and cozy weekends at the A-frame cabin in Saxeville.

And speaking of the A-frame—that’s where Gerrit proposed.

The drive to Saxeville was uneventful... except for Gerrit's “fancy” cabin outfit, which raised some suspicions (He never buys new clothes). Once there, Becca was determined to garden. Gerrit, trying to keep her hands clean for reasons he could not disclose, subtly tried to dissuade her. It didn’t work. She gardened. He worried and stacked piles of wood. Later, they took the boat out to “cool off,” and Becca thought this might be the moment. But Gerrit played it cool. No ring. Then came dinner at their favorite dive bar (The Ding - if you haven't been, do yourself a favor and go) — still no ring (but they did win $99.00 on pull tabs). Becca started to think maybe it wasn't happening at all. Back at the cabin, though, Becca went to the bathroom and while she was gone, Gerrit snuck outside to set up a speaker and press play on a secret proposal playlist of their favorite songs. Unbeknownst to him, Becca had already found the playlist, so when she walked outside, she knew exactly what was happening. Then Gerrit handed her a beer — THE beer. The very beer she had started drinking months ago, and jokingly declared she’d finish the day he proposed. (Yes, he kept the OG can hidden in his fridge the whole time.) And that’s when Gerrit got down on one knee. She said yes— with dirty hands, a 3 month old half-drunk beer, and maybe a few tears.

Now, we're getting married (!!!) and we're so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all the people who have supported us, ran with us, loved us and laughed with us along the way.