It all began when two small town kids met at a track meet in Junior High. Though Gabe & Cedar did not start dating until Cedar’s Sophomore year and Gabe’s Junior year, their friendship began long before they began high school.

As their friendship and love continued to evolve, they spent countless summer days hanging out at the pool, Friday nights at Gabe’s football games, and even a Homecoming dance with a very questionable fashion choice of a dress on Cedar’s part. Eventually the 30 minute drive became a little too much to bear for Gabe and they went their separate ways to finish out high school.

Gabe went on to graduate high school and moved north to attend Aurora University where he continued to play football. He would later transfer to EIU where he would graduate with his Bachelors in Elementary Education. Cedar went south to attend school at Clemson University where she eventually graduated from with a Bachelors in Science. During this time apart, their friendship continued to flourish. Eventually, their love began to rekindle near the end of Cedar’s college career at Clemson. That 30 minute drive was starting to look a cake walk to Gabe compared to the 10 hour haul it was to see Cedar now.

After finishing up with graduations for the year, Cedar and Gabe, with their “first born” Tiggy took their first of many trips out to Montana. It was around this time Tigger was diagnosed with narcolepsy and really threw them a curve ball. They had to learn how to navigate life with a dog who can’t stay awake long enough to go for walks. But no worries, Tiggy goes on to be a spoiled prince who enjoys long walks in his stroller and lives like royalty.

Fall of 2018 was when their next big life change occurred. Cedar moved to Nashville, TN to begin nursing school while Gabe began his first teaching job in Paxton, IL as well as his first High School Football coaching job. Though the long distance gave them many challenges over the next year and a half, it also brought so many new, exciting adventures along with creating new friendships.

Cedar graduated nursing school and moved back to central IL in late 2019, just in time to celebrate the birth of their first nephew, Zeke, as well as celebrate the marriage of Jake & Rachel Palmer where they gained a new sister-in-law!

Over the next year, Gabe & Cedar would go on to get their first condo together, travel to many different places throughout the US, such as Florida, Milwaukee, and Colorado. Most importantly, they added their second kiddo, Olive, to the mix.

In the summer of 2021, Cedar began her travel nursing career that would take her to North Dakota and Idaho before she was able to convince Gabe to start traveling with her.

Cedar & Gabe got to celebrate the additional of their second sister-in-law in Montana when Brandon and Courtney Richardson got married. During this time, Cedar & Gabe got to explore Idaho and experience all of the roadside hot springs that is definitely one of their favorite memories.

Though they had spent the last few years adventuring the world and having fun, Gabe had also been working on his Master degree in Educational leadership. Mr. Smarty-pants!

Gabe & Cedar took their first international trip together when COVID finally subsided along with Noah & Lani! They were also able to meet up with Jake & Rachel and party it up in Galway while they were there.

In the fall of 2022, Gabe and Cedar decided to fully commit to the traveling life. They bought a camper and hit the road. Their first stop was Madison, WI to spend the fall watching Conner play his senior season of football.

Cedar and Gabe took a trip to Hawaii where Gabe finally proposed. They got to spend the week exploring Oahu, attending Luaus, and celebrating their love.

Back to the real world after spending their December in Hawaii, they moved to Seattle for another nursing contract. While there, they got to take engagement photos in Olympia National Park and start wedding planning - yikes!

Gabe and Cedar got to spend the summer of 2023 with Noah and Lani in Alaska. Though Alaska might not be Cedar’s favorite spot - she prefers warmth and beaches - that summer will always hold a special memory in their hearts.

In January, 2024, Gabe and Cedar got to celebrate Noah & Lani’s marriage and their newest sister-in-law! During this time Gabe and Cedar had moved back to IL in preparation for this own wedding.

And now for their biggest adventure! They are so excited to take this next step with you in attendance. Their journey over the last 13 years has been filled with love, joy, and fun and they cannot wait to see their story play out.