Kate and Cade met all the way back in high school, on a Sunday afternoon during throwing practice. Cade would often come to the Pierce track practices to practice throwing with Kate’s track coach, Doug Shelton. They had no idea back then that they would one day fall in love and marry each other!

Several years passed, until one of Kate’s best friends, Jaci Brahmer, invited her on a skiing trip with a rowdy group of her Wayne State friends. Little did Kate know, Cade would be tagging along on this trip too! During the trip, they had a great time hanging out with one another, but it wasn’t until about six months later that Cade struck up a conversation with Kate.

After a month or so of texting, Cade asked Kate on a date to the Boat House in Yankton, NE. One short month later, Cade asked Kate to be his girlfriend!

Throughout dating, they went from living one hour apart (Niobrara and Pierce), to five hours (Niobrara and Kearney), to two and a half hours (Lincoln and Kearney), and to now only 5 minutes (Lincoln). They also spent two summers long distance while Kate did her field work in New Mexico.

Cade and Kate love all things outdoors! They’ve gone on several road trips together, and enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping together. They also love to cheer on the Huskers and party it up at weddings and concerts!

During the summer of 2023, Cade went down to New Mexico to visit Kate. They decided to start off their trip by hiking to a remote lake on Vermejo. After a 2,000 foot ascent, they reached the crystal clear waters of Lake No. 2. Cade quickly set up a tripod and told Kate they were going to take some pictures. As they were waiting for the timer, Cade got down on one knee and asked Kate to marry him. Of course she said yes!! This proposal was everything Kate had ever dreamed of, with absolutely beautiful scenery, a personal moment, all topped off by becoming the fiancé to the most incredible man.