So you wanna hear our story? How we met? Our first date? Meeting each others families? All the way to our proposal? Well then, let's get started.

Bailey and I didn't meet in what I would call our generations "traditional" way, via a dating app. Heck I really don't know if we met in a traditional way for any generation. But, what I have come to realize is that crossing each others paths in the way we did was just a glimpse into what this crazy and fun relationship would bring.

September of 2019, I was living in Mankato at the time, just about to start my last year of school at SCC. For whatever reason I decided to drive to Owatonna for the day and do some shopping there. Those of you that live in southern Minnesota, you know you can't go to Owatonna without going to Cabela's. While there, I looked around for quite some time. Sifting through the clearance rack, I noticed a gentleman was also in that area ( a very handsome one I might add). We made eye contact and smiled at each other, then continued with what we were doing. A few moments later this same gentleman appears next to me and introduces himself, "Hi. I am Bailey" he said. I believe I said, "Um Hope, nice to meet you?" confused on the idea of what this very handsome but incredibly awkward man wants. He replied with "I know this is random and probably a long shot but I was hoping I could give you this." I looked down as he handed me his number on this small piece of paper. I giggled and accepted it with a "sure." We talked for a little while before we both went our separate directions. Unsure of what had just happened I proceeded to get the heck out of there.

I tried to process and replay that entire situation in my head all night. Who in the world gives out their number to random people in a store? I couldn't decide at the time if it was creepy or bold. As you can tell, I eventually decided it was bold. With nothing to lose I texted him. Two weeks later, we had our first date, riding in a tractor in a parade together. I remember raving to my friends and sisters about Bailey, that we has so much in common I couldn't believe it!

After a few months of dating, we met each others families and there was no doubt that we both fit right in. It did not take long (aprox. 6 months) Bailey and I decided we wanted to live together, our families although supportive, probably thought we were crazy! But to add to the craziness, we went ahead and decided to get a puppy together without telling anyone first! We call that, young love.

Fast forward 4 years through all the memory making and life changes and we get to the proposal story. Bailey and I had been planning a week vacation up in Canada. When the time came to head up, Bailey was definitely acting a little suspicious. I thought to myself that this week might be it. But, wasn't going to get my hopes up and just enjoy the vacation itself. The week went on and once the last day came I felt that my hopes had been up all along as I was still not a fiancé. We headed home later that day, just taking our time. That night there happened to be a meteor shower. It was about 2 a.m. and we were just about home when I asked Bailey if we could stop just outside of town because I had my camera and wanted to see if I could get some pictures. That night was absolutely perfect. The sky was dark but the stars shined bright. The crickets sang their song as the slight breeze made the grass around us dance. I remember Bailey and I stating to each other how beautiful and peaceful it was. We continued to watch for shooting stars and pointing out to each other when we saw one. After one had just passed Bailey asked "Did you make a wish?" I responded with "I don't know what to wish for." As I did , I turned around and their he was. Down on one knee holding the most beautiful ring when he asked, " Hope, will you marry me?" Ecstatic with excitement and joy there is no doubt that I said yes!

Now we prepare ourselves to say "I do" to forever. We thank God everyday that our paths crossed, and we will continue to thank him as he stands by our sides in our beautiful marriage.