Carley and Ethan first met in January 2023 in Ag class. A funny part of their beginning is that they didn’t actually have a full conversation until Carley was out of school for a week at the Black Hills Stock Show in February 2023.

From the start, their personalities couldn’t have been more opposite—something Ethan jokingly calls his “first warning.” Carley showed up completely herself from day one, while Ethan was quiet, steady, and calm. But that contrast turned out to be their perfect match. Carley loved Ethan’s peaceful, grounding spirit, and Ethan loved the chaos, fun, and spark that Carley brought. You could say they’re living proof that opposites really do attract.

Their first date was simple and sweet: cruising around town in Carley’s car. Carley was so nervous to hang out with Ethan that she jumped into a snowbank at a stop sign—something that still makes them laugh.

As their relationship grew, they stepped out of their comfort zones and shared each other’s worlds. Carley brought Ethan to rodeos, and Ethan introduced Carley to the races. Together, they found joy in learning, trying, and embracing the things the other loves.

When Ethan proposed, Carley was completely shocked. He had already asked her dad, Joel, for permission—but thanks to Carley’s photo schedule being pushed back again and again, his plan got delayed more times than he could count. Finally, on January 18, 2025 (a date that also famously marked the day TikTok was banned), Ethan asked Carley to marry him in the freezing cold, making the moment even more memorable.

As they plan their wedding day, Carley and Ethan want to thank everyone who has supported them, loved them, and welcomed them into each other’s families. They feel incredibly grateful for the people who have helped shape their journey. And in true Peterson family fashion, “the one you marry is usually crazier than the rest of the family”—so they’d say they fit right in.

Here’s to love, laughter, and the adventure ahead.

C&E

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–11:30 PM

Reception