The story began at college, where Brady and Camryn both attended Davenport University. Brady played rugby and Camryn played volleyball. Both knew of each other but had never actually met. The end of 2019 is when it all went down in history!

It all started when Camryn and the DU volleyball team were on the road traveling to Michigan Tech. Keep in mind, this 9 hour long bus ride becomes very boring. While on the bus, Camryn went through her friend, Maddy Housenga's, snapchat contacts. She figured she would add some more friends on snapchat to talk to during the long ride. She came across 'Brady Erlich' remembering him as the hot South African rugby player who worked at the school coffee shop. Camryn thought Brady was super cute and always friendly whenever they ran into each other around campus. She also knew he was an awesome rugby player! Camryn was on a mission from that moment on. Shortly after, a girls night of partying lead to a brave text from Camryn to Brady with a simple 'hello'. They have not stopped talking since......

Brady would always see Camryn while working at the coffee shop or school cafe. She always caught Brady's eye. When they finally connected, he was so excited for what the future had in store for the them.

Their first date was at good ole Uccello's in January of 2020. Being that Davenport University is in the middle of no where, Uccello's was only 10 minutes away and a popular place for the college students. After many months of talking and hanging out... March 8th, 2020 the two finally became an official couple. Two weeks later, COVID hit. At that time, Davenport and all on campus housing were closing until further notice. This meant a lot for Brady. Brady lived in the school housing, so needed to move. Brady couldn't go back home to South Africa because the borders were shut down. Camryn shared this concern with her parents. After the VanderLeest family learned about the situation, they expressed to Camryn their willingness to let Brady come live with them in their spare bedroom. Camryn and Brady happily lived at the “VanderLeest Inn” for 3 and a half years. So many great memories were made all together in the VanderLeest household!

Fast forward... on June 15th, 2023 Brady popped the question to Camryn. Before he got down on one knee... the two were on a laid back date at Northside Pub for drinks. Camryn loves their Colorado Bulldogs, so the date location was a must! After their time at the bar, Camryn's Mom text the two and told them to swing by Grammy and Grandpa's for dinner. Camryn didn't think anything of this, as this was nothing out of the ordinary. On their way to the grandparents house, Camryn's Mom text her to say that her and Tayte had found a stray cat in the back yard. This made Camryn want to get to the grandparents house really quick! After arriving, they quietly tip toed to the back yard to not scare the stray cat. Camryn was absolutely blown away to instead find a lit tiki torch walk way with a beautiful floral arch and a sign that posed the question of 'Will you marry me?'. Her answer was a definitive yes! The family was hiding around the corner and loved watching this special moment for the two.

The two are beyond grateful for all of the love and support they have received and continue to received over the past 4 years. Camryn and Brady are now super excited for their destination wedding and to spend this special day with the people they love the most.

Registry