As most readers know, Grace grew up in snowy and sunny South Lake Tahoe, California and proceeded 438 miles south to even more sunny and less snowy UCLA. With this affinity for nice weather there was no logical next step besides moving to Minnesota, right?

Meanwhile (though age-wise one year behind), Clay grew up in Sunrise, Minnesota. Looking for a change from the farm life for college, Clay headed south a whole 50.3 miles to the equally snowy University of Minnesota.

Clay had recently finished his bachelor’s degree, and was starting his life as a gainfully employed adult who could afford a date, when he set up a Hinge profile and met Grace, who was entering the last year of her master’s program. In their time on Hinge, both had experienced some awkward and logistically challenging dates. For this reason, Grace suggested the closest brewery to her apartment, a staggering 2 minute walk away. This first date was fun, even though Grace (the soon-to-be planner of the relationship) hadn’t gotten tickets to the stand-up comedy show. This was for the best as it gave the two time to get to know each other and get that often-asked-of-Californians-in-Minnesota question out of the way: “Why on earth did you move here?!”

Through a series of initial dates mini golfing (where nobody sandbagged to keep the score close), going to drive in movies (and staying awake for all 3!), and Clay making Grace chicken alfredo for dinner (what does al dente mean?) the two grew closer and closer. Throughout this time, they started to go to Gopher Football games together and got to see the best season (statistically) in over 100 years! Their first trip as a couple down to Iowa was even fun despite a loss and the locale.

The adventures soon increased in scale to an early trip to meet Grace’s parents in Tahoe (there is snow in California?), a ski trip to Lutsen Mountains (Minnesota has downhill skiing?), and visiting friends internationally (Canada counts!). A trip to Europe was even booked for May of 2020... Once COVID hit, the adventures were scaled back to state and national parks for a while, but the love continued to grow.

After some ups and downs navigating the housing market, Grace and Clay purchased a house together and quickly made it feel more like home by bringing Clay’s golden retriever, Hardy, under the roof. While dog and home ownership sometimes take over their time and funds, Grace and Clay have continued to prioritize adventures together including camping, concerts, hiking, road trips, and skiing. They even finally made it on that Europe trip!

On September 19th, 2021 (exactly two years after their first date), Clay brought Grace up the Lutsen Mountains gondola and got down on one knee. In the excitement, Grace forgot her one line and said “Of course!”.

Grace and Clay cannot wait to start their next big adventure as a married couple and are so excited to have so many family members and friends join them to celebrate their marriage.