Beth and I met in the most beautiful and romantic way - on the dating app Hinge. On our first date, it was so simple it was almost magical. First, we went to dinner at El Azteca, a Mexican restaurant in Ames, but Beth was not feeling hungry so I ate a meal all by myself. Probably our least expensive date to record! After that, we went and parked my car at a Caseys gas station and went for a stroll to watch the sunset. We got to talking and made it back to the car sometime later. Since then we have been inseparable like peanut butter and jelly.

There have been many walks taken after that first date. I'd say that was the heart of our early relationship. We would go for a walk almost every day after I got off work. We have learned to laugh at each other, more Beth because I am hilarious, and not take time for granted when we are together. A fond memory of mine is when Beth went to the Iowa State Fair for the first time with me this past year. She still doesnt quite understand the thrill the State Fair brings but she will learn!

Coby and I met in the cringiest way possible, and because of that, I actually lied about it to people. We met through the online dating app, Hinge. I am more embarrassed about it than Coby is. If you’re my family or someone I told that Coby and I met at church, well theres the honest truth.. *me crying.* Coby picked me up for our first date with flowers in his hand. I completely lost my appetite, as I couldn’t believe I was going on a date with someone I met online who was.. I guess pretty cute. So yes, I sat and watched Coby eat while we were getting to know each other in person. Coby and I hungout almost everyday after our first date. I guess he couldn’t stay away from me or something..


Coby and I navigated the transition from summer, to my first teaching job. It has been great to see how that transition has grown our relationship, along with trusting God in our daily lives. A funny memory I have was when I graduated from college and I brought Coby home to meet my family, including all 3 sets of my grandparents, after only 1 month of knowing each other. One of my Grandpa’s made a comment about bringing Coby to the lake that summer, and sure enough he came with me for my birthday weekend in August. I never would have thought I would bring a boyfriend of only 4 months to our sacred lake, so that’s when I knew I would be keeping him around. I am now looking forward to many more summers at the lake, having Coby there with us. :)