We both went to Winona State University. Ryan graduated in Health Communications (2013), and Emily in k-12 Instrumental Education (2016). As part of Emily's major, she was involved in the string quartet through the music department. After the November concert, there was an afterparty at the other violinist's house, Ryan's roommate. Emily was a bit cautious, but with the violist as backup she felt better. Upon entering, there was Ryan, in his PJs watching TV. Emily sat down on the couch, while Ryan quickly changed out of his PJ's and put on cologne.

*Side Note* Earlier that evening, Ryan had gotten off of work, and wanted to relax. When his roommate texted him, "I'm bring friends over", Ryan almost left (Glad he didn't though!) When he saw Emily, he thought "Wow she's really beautiful. I should change my clothes and be a little bit more presentable "

After an evening of entertaining, Ryan walked Emily back to her dorm room. Along the way, he held her arm, and said that she was short like a midget - (he is a good 12 inches taller than Emily). However, when arriving to her apartment, there was a problem...Usually in chick flicks, at the end of a date there is a kiss. Oh, Boy! We just met, and neither of them felt comfortable kissing a total stranger. So, we hugged, and Emily awkwardly, put her forehead on Ryan's chest and said,

"Is this the part where the guy kisses the girl?"

Ryan says, "Yes, I believe so"

She responds, "Well I don't want to do that right now."

Ryan, "Good, Neither do I, But can I at least get your number?"

Emily awkardly laughs, " Yes".

We exchange our numbers, and had lunch the next day. While eating Ryan did not stop talking through the entire meal because he didn't want to be his quiet self around new people. :)

It was the week of the 4th of July, up at the family cabin in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The night previously, Emily slept terribly. It was hot and humid. Suddenly she heard a light tap on her window. Freaked out and half asleep she didn't respond. It must have been a dream. But it was there again. *tap, tap*

"Emily, wake up. Lets go watch the Sunrise" Ryan said.

Emily rolled over, and look at her phone, it was 7:32 am, the sun was already up, that doesn't make sense, what is he doing? She got out of bed, put on a sweatshirt and flip flops, and quietly walked outside. Most people know that Emily in NOT a morning person, but there was Ryan, with the biggest grin on his face.

He takes her hand, and we walk down to the lake front, the water is calm, there are no clouds in the sky, and there was a crisp in the air. He stops right before the dock and there is a heart with our initials made with rocks. Rocks? Yes, rocks. Emily thought it was a sweet gesture, but kind of strange and did know what was going on. They walk out on the dock and sat on the bench.

They sat for about 10 minutes just admiring nature, and then Ryan started playing "Little Things" by One Direction.*Side Note This was the song they said 'I Love You' too.* Everything was starting to click, Ryan was saying so many wonderful things about their relationship, and keeping the Lord at center. And it really clicked when he got down on one knee and proposed. Emily started crying out of pure happiness. She had no idea this was coming. After 3 minutes of no response, she said YES on July 6th, 2016!

They walked up back to the house told everyone the good news, and ate breakfast. They enjoyed the rest of our family vacation in our new title of Fiancé.