Our story begins where we both attended college at the University of St. Thomas. We first met at the infamous Tiffany’s sports bar in St. Paul and it was a game of beer pong that brought us together. Jake’s buddies were talking about a “Claire Joyce” and he said he had to meet this girl. It was this night in 2015 that started out as a friendship later turning into forever.

As the college years followed, Jake coincidently ended up at the gatherings where I was. After many reoccurrences, we began to grow close. We would often try and coordinate a group of friends to get together on the weekends. Our friendship grew, and Jake soon became one of my best friends. After two and a half years, it was obvious we were compatible. We began to grow feelings for one another, and Jake insisted on dinner – wine and ice cream (a favorite), at Stewart’s down the street from my college house. He insisted on meeting me at church the next morning, and shortly after that, our lives began to start together.

Over the last five years, it has been the best years of our lives. We have traveled to so many different places, embracing the local culture, and meeting people everywhere we go. We have spent our summers golfing, weekends up north enjoying the cabin life, and keeping an ongoing scorecard of our favorite game, cribbage. These memories have truly solidified we are each other's best friends, and on one particular summer day this last year, our forever officially began.

Earlier in the week, Jake had planned the perfect Tuesday evening of what I thought was getting a nice dinner with Grandpa Janssen at The Lexington in St. Paul. The Lexington was special in many ways – a regular date spot for Jake an I, and a historic spot for both of our grandpas growing up. It was going to be a special evening, to say the least. Jake picked me up after work back at the apartment – and I was in need of a quick nap before dinner. Little did I know Jake laid beside me eyes wide open, knowing what the evening was going to entail. I had quickly gotten ready, and Jake was “cleaning his car” to pick me up on the side of the apartment. He had played music to cover his excited chatter on the car ride to St. Paul, letting me know Grandpa George wanted to stop by St. Thomas to see the new construction. I was excited to walk the University with Grandpa – a proud alumni to share stories with that evening. We parked next to Stewart’s and reminisced on the wine and ice cream nights as we walked slowly up to the chapel. When we get to the chapel, I am looking around for Grandpa when I turn around to see Jake on one knee. I was so taken back by the intimacy and planning he had thought of for our special moment. The ring is beautiful, and everything I could have dreamed of. We made our way to The Lexington, where I thought Grandpa would be anxiously waiting to celebrate with us. Little did I know, we walked to the back room, greeted by close friends and family, a decorated bar, and champagne for everyone to celebrate. It was an incredible evening, one that makes planning a wedding hard to top!

Since our engagement, we have been preparing for marriage in all the best ways, and most recently bought a house in Richfield. We are excited to start this journey of forever together, and can’t wait to celebrate with our friends and family on October 4 this year!

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