Will and Katie met at the University of Akron during Will's 2nd and Katie's 1st year at the school. Will was a staff member at the University's rock wall, as well as an avid climber. Katie too became an avid climber and spent almost every free moment of her time at the rock wall. What started off as a mutual love for a unique sport, quickly blossomed into so much more. Will noticed Katie first and after going out of his way to wish her a happy birthday, she began to notice him back. After a few days of great conversations and walking Katie home from the wall each night, Will finally asked Katie on their first of many dates.

Since then, the two have been inseparable. They have had endless adventures, grew in their own relationship and in those with their families and have built a foundation made to last.

After 3 1/2 years of dating and excessive begging from Katie, Will finally felt it time to propose. He had initially planned to pop the question on New Years Eve as the ball dropped, even making sure to ask permission from Katie's dad at Christmas. However, a late ring arrival date pushed his plans back to January 30th.

Will invited two of Katie's and his best friends over to help execute his plan for the big day. While Katie and their friend Jaelyn stayed home painting their nails and relaxing, the boys convinced Katie they had planned to go do some target practice at Will's dads. With Katie unaware and out of the way, Will and their friend Jacob, actually made their way to the Pleasant Hill Dam where they hiked an hour to a tree Will had carved Katie's and his initials into almost 3 years prior. After being gone for a couple hours, the boys made their way back home to try and convince Katie to go on a hike in the middle of winter. The group gathered their gear and headed out to the dam. After another hour long hike for those poor boys, the group finally made it to the happy couples carved tree where Katie found the words "Will you marry me?" carved just below their initials. Will then got down on one knee and everything has been a dream ever since.