Kate and Jake and became friends in biology class during their freshman year of high school. Over time, Jake started to see her as more than a friend, and they've been together ever since he surprised her by asking her on their first date to Courtesy Diner during their sophomore year in 2016.

Both decided that Truman State was the best place to continue their education, and that's where they met many of their wonderful friends, supported each other through tough biochemistry, statistics, and computer science courses, and enjoyed all of the new experiences that college had to offer.

After graduating, Kate spent a semester traveling while working on her master's degree, and Jake came to visit her and they had the most amazing trip through Italy. This sparked a love of traveling together, and they're already planning out future trips!

Last April, after they had settled into post-grad life and started thinking about the future, Jake decided to propose to Kate in Forest Park, since it has always been a special place for them. He picked out the perfect spot, without knowing beforehand that it was Kate's favorite place in the park where she used to take painting classes. Without a doubt, Kate said yes, and the rest is history!

Kate and Jake have absolutely loved being engaged and have been counting down the days until "I do." As the wedding has gotten closer, they hit another major milestone: becoming homeowners! They found the perfect home to start their married lives together in, and all that's left to do is tie the knot!

Kate and Jake have grown together through so many stages of life so far, and are so excited to start off their marriage and this next stage by celebrating with all of their beloved friends and family.