SHE SAID:

It all started when Lonny checked out my profile and sent me a Facebook Dating message that said a very smooth, “Hello.” Naturally, I had to stalk—ahem, research—his profile before replying. And yes, I made him wait a few days… you know, just to keep the suspense alive.

Once we finally started chatting, the conversation came surprisingly easy. The conversation just flowed, It felt easy, natural, and genuine. He even picked up on my sense of humor right away and laughed at some of my jokes—a good sign, considering not everyone appreciates my quick wit. Before long, he asked if I’d like to meet up.

So the next day, after he finished working the Twins game, we met at a park in Elk River. It was springtime and warmer than expected. We started walking one of the trails—neither of us knew where we were going, which, looking back, feels like a pretty solid metaphor for dating. But we talked the entire 5 miles, nonstop, until I finally said, “Uh… it’s getting a little dark.”

Soon it became pitch-black, and we had absolutely no clue where our cars were. Luckily I brought my phone with so I could use maps to get me back to my car. Eventually, we found the vehicles (small miracle), talked some more in my car and exchanged numbers before planning a second date.

After our third date, I remember thinking how easy everything felt… which, of course, terrified me. So the next day, I sent him a message saying it was nice to meet him, but we were in different places and I wished him the best. He respectfully said he understood, thanked me for being honest, and wished me the best as well.

A few weeks went by, and something inside me kept nudging me to reach out to him again. Things just felt right when I was with him. So I messaged him, we went on another date, and—well—the rest is history!

We've experienced many adventures together over the last 4 years, each one has made us stronger and closer. Lonny is very good to me and in tune with my emotions (which can be all over the place) and at first I wasn't used to that, but now I appreciate it!

He gets me, and I get him.

HE SAID:

This story begins on Sunday, April 11, 2021. I was working at Target Field, enjoying an afternoon of a Twins baseball game vs the Seattle Mariners.

During the game, I was chatting with a lady I met on Facebook dating. We had been communicating with each other for a week or so, not yet meeting in person. She suggested we go for a walk and get some fresh air.

At the conclusion of the game, I messaged her that I was done and heading toward the park and upon my arrival I noticed a white Dodge mini-van sitting in the parking lot. I parked near the vehicle, hoping that it was her and not some poor innocent person thinking I was there to abduct them. She stepped out of the mini van and asked if I was me. I told her I was and we began looking for a trail to walk on.

Once we starting walking, we began chatting. I remember how comfortable we both were even though we were far from anyone to hear my screams for help. We joked about it as we continued deeper into the wooded area. After some time walking, we both noticed a male individual walking along side the woods. We both joked and laughed that he was contracted by one another to monitor each other’s behavior. Funny thing was, we were already holding hands, so I can assume her contracted bodyguard felt that she was in a safe situation and decided to go upon his merry way.

We had been walking for quite some time when she informed me that it would be dark soon and that we may not be back to our vehicles before sunset, so we turned around and started making our way back. I remember the trails splitting in different directions which helped me lose which one to take. Thank goodness for my Cub Scout training and remembering to follow the sun with the time of day to help figure out which direction to follow. The only problem was that I had no idea in which direction the parking lot was located. Out of respect for her, I decided not to bring my cellular device with me (I didn’t want to be interrupted with a text of call). HOWEVER, out of the safety of her well-being, she decided to bring hers with. (She later informed me that she brought it so her sister would be able to locate her if needed). Talk about trusting a stranger!! It turned out to be a brilliant idea since she was able to use it to locate her van. We had a great conversation and didn’t want the dark of night, in the parking lot of a trail park, in the middle of nowhere, with no one in sight, stop us from continuing our chat.

After going our separate ways that night, I couldn’t help but think of her. We found time to meet halfway between St. Cloud and Blaine, not having one or the other drive further. We went out on a couple more dates and had a good time being with each other. It was after these dates that she became worried that this was too good of a thing. It frightened her and she decided to send me a text stating that she was not in the same place in the dating life that I was in. She kindly informed me that she wasn’t ready for anything long term. She wished me well and then signed off. I respected her wishes and stopped communicating with her.

About two weeks later, out of the blue, I received a message on my phone stating that she could not get me out of her mind and wanted to know if I was still on the dating block. I replied to her that I was not seeing anyone serious and that I would love to meet up with her again if she was interested. So, we went out on a few more dates. Not long after that, I experienced stronger feeling for this woman.

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Olive Garden in Coon Rapids, as we were sitting on a bench next to the restaurant, she told me for the first time, that she loved me. I told her that I loved her back.

Fast forward two years later. We planned our first major vacation together. We decided to go to Mexico, since neither of us had ever been there. I had done some soul searching prior to this trip and decided that I wanted to propose to her on the beach in Mexico.I decided not to tell anyone, even my best friend, of my intentions. It wasn’t easy, but I was successful in keeping this to myself. I wanted to surprise everyone and it worked!

We decided to go for a walk after supper, so I suggested that we go take a walk on the beach. Even though I said that I did not want to talk to any vendors on the beach or hotel area, I couldn't help but stop and talk to a gentleman selling small homemade surf boards. As I was talking to him, my future bride-to-be, continued making her way to the beach, not knowing that I stopped and talked to a vendor. After a few minutes, I met up with her on the beach. We were talking about the rules that we had to pretend to be a married couple so we can use a discount on some of the packages we wanted to do while we were here.

A few minutes later, I said to her that if we must pretend to be married, that we should just do it for real. I then got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. If was nearly perfect. Everything I imagined this moment to be. With one exception, instead of saying yes or no, she asked me if I bought the ring from the vendor near the hotel pool. After convincing her that I bought it at a jewelry store back home, she said yes!

So, this is our story.

C&L

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony