It all started at the IWU post office when Brooke told one of her coworkers that he needed to set her up with someone. Months later, on April 5th, 2022, Brooke walked into work and her coworker told her that he had the perfect guy for her. Brooke thought oh yay it’s probably someone from IWU…this will be great! Her coworker goes on to explain that it’s his buddy from back home and his name is Tate. Brooke sighs and goes on to tell him I don’t want to do long distance…I think I’m good. Her coworker proceeds to show her a picture of Tate and then Brooke admits oh wait he’s actually really cute...I guess we'll give this a go! Brooke then reaches out to Tate and that day was the start of their forever.

After a few bumps in the road, (Brooke will admit this was because of her haha), Brooke and Tate finally had their first date on August 26, 2022! Tate and Brooke knew each other for almost 5 months before finally meeting in person. Looking back to that first interaction with one another, Tate said he was most surprised about Brooke's height and thought she was taller. Brooke said she was most surprised by Tate’s voice and loved his “southern-like accent”. One of the things Tate and Brooke did on their first date was cliff jumping. Brooke really knew this guy was special considering how terrified she was to jump off a cliff. I guess one could say they were quickly falling for each other after their weekend-long first date!

On October 7th, 2022, after only the second time meeting in person, (yes you read that right), Tate asked Brooke to be his girlfriend! She quickly said yes and was so excited to start this journey with Tate. Tate asked Brooke at Matter Park near IWU and it was the most beautiful fall day. They also picked flowers at a local flower farm near IWU. That weekend they also met each other's family and spent many hours in the car traveling both to Indiana and Ohio. It was the most amazing weekend and the best start to their relationship!

Right before Tate asked Brooke to be his girlfriend, Brooke told Tate about how she always sees monarch butterflies when she needs peace and confirmation in her life. She could barely finish her sentence when there appeared a monarch butterfly. Brooke knew in her heart this was a sign that she was right where she was supposed to be!

Tate bought Colt’s tickets for Brooke’s birthday present before he asked her to be his girlfriend. Good thing she said yes or maybe that’s what made her say yes… lol just kidding! Brooke and Tate had so much fun exploring Indy and watching a close game. Though the Colts didn’t win that day, Brooke knew she was the real winner having the man of her dreams by her side!

One of Tate’s Christmas presents to Brooke for their first Christmas was to get pictures taken. Such a sweet gesture!

One of Brooke’s Christmas presents to Tate was a surprise trip to Hocking Hills. They enjoyed the day hiking and exploring!

For Tate and Brooke’s first Valentine’s Day they went out to dinner and watched Titanic in 3D. Fun fact…Titanic was the first movie the couple watched together back during their first date!

On April 7th, 2023, Tate officially became a homeowner! Brooke was right there next to him when he signed the papers. She was beyond proud of him for buying a house at just 20 years old!

On April 29th, 2023, Brooke graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work degree! Brooke always thought she would meet her husband while at college…funny how life works out in the most beautiful way. Brooke’s next step was to get her Masters degree and was hopeful that an engagement was in her near future!

The sweetest addition to Brooke and Tate’s relationship…a kitten named Moe who only has 3 legs!

Tate’s graduation gift to Brooke was a trip to Red River Gorge in KY. It was such a fun trip…one they will never forget!

Cincinnati Reds game! It was a hot one but so worth it because it was the most exciting game Brooke and Tate had ever been to!

A trip to Lake Erie and Cedar Point with friends!

Brooke’s 23rd birthday! Little did she know this would be the last picture she would ever take with Tate as her boyfriend!

After a year full of memories and genuine love and care for one another, Tate asked Brooke to marry him. It was the most amazing day out in the pumpkin patch with their families. Also, a little fun fact…the person who captured the proposal is Aaron Glandon, Brooke’s coworker at the beginning of the story and Tate’s co-best man on the big day. Shout out to him for setting the two up! The proposal was an absolute dream come true and their love for one another only grows stronger as time passes by! Brooke and Tate are beyond excited for the happiest day of their lives on July 13, 2024!