Gavin and Alex first met at an Intervarsity event through UMD. Gavin had just gotten back from Mexico, volunteering at a YWAM base and taking classes virtually, while Alex was a semester into her freshman year at UMD.

They became friends over the next couple of weeks, but it wasn't until a bonfire during finals week that sparks began to fly (quite literally). Too shy to admit their feelings towards one another, they remained friends and kept in touch over the summer.

When Alex moved back up to Duluth for the fall 2021 semester, they began to spend time together hanging out as friends, which raised suspicions amongst their peers. Their shared interests in music, running, and adventuring created a strong bond between them.

Eventually, Gavin built up the courage to ask Alex out on a date. They went on a hike through Chester Park in Duluth and enjoyed some malts at The Portland Malt Shoppe. What was initially going to be a 2-hour date turned into them spending the entire evening together, with a spontaneous late night swim on the way home. And so began their adventures together.

Who in their right mind would propose to the love of their life hours after running a half-marathon? This guy would. But if you know Gavin and Alex, there couldn't be a more perfect day than that Saturday, June 17th.

You see, two years earlier, they met up as friends to get ice cream after Alex ran Grandma's half-marathon. This time around, they ran the race together, but little did Alex know this would be the last time she would run with her boyfriend!

Post half-marathon, they oh so conveniently stopped at Portland Malt Shoppe on the way up the North Shore. After a quick stop to pick wild lupins on the side of the road, they arrived at Iona's Beach, which was also a very special spot for the two of them throughout their relationship. They spent the rest of the afternoon hammocking on the beach and then enjoyed a delicious picnic dinner that Gavin had packed.

Strolling along the shore, hand-in-hand as the sun was setting, Gavin dropped to one knee and popped the question. Although Alex was so surprised that she was unable to answer right away, it was the easiest decision she had ever made.

We could not be more thrilled about starting this new chapter of life together, and are so excited to be able to celebrate with you!