Our love story began almost 10 years ago, back in seventh grade, during a classic school event – the annual watermelon football scrimmage at Shawnee Mission Northwest. Isaac approached Ries and asked for her “Kik” (the communication utilized by middle schoolers at the time!). Little did they know that courageous question would kickstart their journey. The majority of their moments were spent in the chaotic passing periods at Trailridge Middle School, on FaceTime, or under the stadium lights each Friday alongside their friends.

Life in high school was a whirlwind of dances, sports games, and shared classes. Ries cheered Isaac on from the sidelines of football and baseball games, while he supported her on the basketball court. Managing the football team was one of Ries’s tactics to keep Isaac around. They strengthened their relationship and discovered more admiration for each other through leading middle schoolers in Wyldlife and serving their communities. I don’t think either of them will ever forget the memories they created in Isaac’s infamous 2-door, stick shift, maroon Jeep. Their senior year of high school was unforgettable – from being on Homecoming Court together to that special senior trip to Cancun. Despite the pandemic, Isaac and Ries were able to graduate high school together at a local drive-in movie theater.

Both Isaac and Ries found themselves at Kansas State University. Isaac would pursue a Professional Sales degree and Ries chose to major in Sociology-Criminology and later on added an Organizational Management major. One of their first core memories of college was spent at Lake of the Ozarks for Isaac's Fraternity formal. Ries and Isaac had a wonderful first year, exploring new things, finding their people, and doing all of this together was the best part. During their sophomore year, the two traveled to watch the Wildcats play football, attended countless date parties, and visited Panama City Beach for Spring Break. The summer following their sophomore year, they both got to work for Kansas City Catering and enjoyed several concerts which they realized they loved doing with each other. In their junior year of college, they traveled down to Texas and got to experience the Cats winning the Big 12 Championship. Isaac had plenty of opportunities to show off his handy skills to impress Ries including changing her flat tire and becoming an expert mover. The summer going into their senior year, Isaac interned for Northpoint Development learning all about commercial real estate while Ries stayed in Manhattan interning for a local law firm and studying for the Law School Admissions Test. The two got to go to Colorado; Isaac loves showing Ries the place he loves most each Summer. Isaac and Ries began their senior year at K-State in the Fall of 2023. Both of them are working toward finishing up their degrees and soaking in all of the lasts.

On October 15, 2023, Isaac took Ries back to Kansas City. They began their day at what was once known as Port Fonda, in Westport. Isaac and Ries celebrated their one year anniversary here in 8th grade. Chris and Emily, Isaac’s parents, and Nicole, Ries’ mom, sat at a table several away from Isaac and Ries for their first big date. As you can imagine, visiting this place was very special for them. They talked about how far they had come and reminisced on all of their memories. After that, they headed to Beer Kitchen, right down the block. They spent a lot of time here in high school and considered it “their restaurant”. It was funny being able to order drinks this time around. Next, Isaac took Ries to a cocktail bar downtown; this was intended to mark the “mature” and “grown-up” stage of their relationship. Finally, Isaac took Ries to Loose Park where he popped the question. Ries was not entirely surprised but was happy beyond what words could explain. Isaac took Ries to Shawnee Mission North, the football field that Northwest called home, and they reflected on their day. This place holds a lot of memories and a special place in their hearts. Finally, Isaac surprised Ries with an Engagement Party at Transport Brewery in Shawnee. The two were surrounded and celebrated by so many people they love.

Now, Isaac and Ries are preparing for the big day and planning their future. Currently, they are still unsure where they will end up as Ries is deciding on what Law School she will attend. They are soaking in each memory they can at Kansas State and look forward to where they will next call home. Ries and Isaac are extremely grateful for each and every memory that they share. They feel exceptionally lucky to have met each other so young as they have been able to grow together through so many important milestones and stages. Anyone who has been around the two would say that it was just a matter of time. Isaac and Ries cannot wait to get married in July and look forward to celebrating it with the most important people in their lives. We look forward to establishing July 13 as our final and most significant anniversary!