It started way back in {5th} grade…

Cole was my first “boyfriend.” I remember holding hands on the school bus ride home, which passed by what is now Berkshire Ridge (our wedding venue).

Although we were in different grades, going to school at Kingston, we were often found in the same circle. After graduating high school, I went to Lindenwood and didn’t really hear much about Cole.

When Covid happened, I moved home for my last semester of college to student teach at Potosi. One night, a couple of my brother’s friends came over to the house and Cole was one of those friends.

I immediately began hanging out with my brother and his friends quite often (mainly because Cole was there). After four months of hanging out as a group, Cole and I finally realized we both liked each other - shout out to Kyle Vandergriff for telling us that we liked one another. Haha.

On August 7, 2020, Cole finally asked me to go on a date. We attempted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings in Farmington, but it was packed so we settled for Colton’s. I still remember the Fireball t-shirt he was wearing.

That night we went back to my house and played Super Smash Brothers on the Nintendo Switch with my brother until like 3am.

Two weeks later (August 21, 2020), I had my wisdom teeth cut out. Cole came over and we made it “official,” swollen face and all.

We have spent nearly every day and night together since that day. Nine months later, I bought a house and he moved right in.

On August 6, 2024, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl, Violet Kate Ragan, into the world. She came 6 weeks early via emergency c-section and I feel that is when I fell deeper in love with Cole. He was so amazing during my recovery and during the 4 weeks our sweet girl was in the NICU.

Don’t get me wrong, he drives me crazy, but he makes life so fun! He is an amazing dad to our little lady. I love being “mom and dad” so much and cannot wait to officially be “husband and wife.” ❤️