It all started when Garrett first went to USD. He saw this blonde girl with glasses in all his classes he thought was cute. It only took him 3 years to man up and add her on snapchat. And then Sydney messaged him first because he was too scared to do so. From there they talked for a few days before Garrett asked Sydney out and she said yes.

Their first date was at Mexico Viejo in Vermillion, SD. Sydney was so nervous she almost hit Garrett's car with her own while trying to park. Besides the almost parking disaster the date went as perfectly as a first date could have gone. So well in fact Garrett did not even have to ask for a second date as Sydney asked him for a second date.

Their second date they travelled to Culver's in Yankton, SD for supper and then bowling afterwards. They both showed their incredible skills off both barely getting above 100 scores. Garrett won 2/3 games, but who's counting.

From there they had countless Monday night movie dates where they watched everything from Star Wars to Harry Potter to Horror movies. On September 19th, 2022 Garrett asked Sydney to be his girlfriend.

They then finished the school year with many ice cream, movie, and bandits football game dates. Sydney is the only person who can get Garrett to travel more than an hour for something other than lifting.

Their main hobby while in school was lifting together at the USD Wellness Center training for powerlifting together. Their first meet together was the USD Liftathon of 2023 where they both set major PRs and grew their love as much as their muscles.

Then Garrett graduated from USD and moved back home to work until he got into school and Sydney moved to Yankton to move on with her clinicals. Both making many trips to see each other every other weekend to continue watching movies and getting stronger.

After a year of dating they went ring shopping at Greenberg's in Sioux Falls. Sydney found the ring she wanted, and Garrett just had to get it. So he did and the planning to pop the question commenced.

The nurses at the hospital he worked at gave him the idea of an escape room to get engaged. He contacted Escape 605 in Sioux Falls and hashed out the entire night. The Payne's and Garrett went to Sioux Falls on October 26th, 2024 and the night started.

At the end of the escape room there was the final prize of a note with "Will You Marry Me?" on it. Sydney said yes and was surprised because Garrett was telling her it would be a Christmas engagement. But he knew she was too smart and would figure out exactly what was happening if he went with his original idea.

Sydney and Garrett decided on the day of June 6th, 2026 for their wedding because they both wanted a summer wedding, but not have it too warm so everyone can have a good time.

The wedding will be at 2:00pm in Dimock, South Dakota on June 6, 2026 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. RSVP on the website and if you want a hotel room they have a reserved room block in the Comfort Inn and Hampton Inn in Mitchell, South Dakota.

G&S

Wedding Day