Our Story

It all started back in 2017.

Justin and I were both students at Kiel High School—I was a senior, and he was a junior. We knew of each other, hung out in similar circles, and shared a few casual moments. But life and relationships kept us at a distance. That is, until December 7th, 2017—a date now that reminds us of where it all began.

A simple “How are you?” text from me to Justin turned into a conversation that never really ended. That night, he asked if I wanted to go to Parker John’s with him. His mom insisted he bring his sister along (hi, third wheel!). But that awkward, family-filled outing didn’t scare us off—in fact, it sparked something quiet and beautiful. We didn’t need grand declarations; just a shared glance over a pile of bottomless wings told us everything. None of us knew it at the time, but that would be the first day of the next seven years of our lives together.

Our bond deepened through shared passions—hunting, fishing, sitting by the fire under the stars. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Mercer, Wisconsin, quickly became our sacred escape. It's where we connected—on the boat, around the fire, or over a drink in a small-town bar. It’s where the pines that are now tattooed on my arm stand. It's where we have shared many conversations and laughter around campfires and where our love has grown.

Every December 7th, we return to that frozen lake. Every year, we stand on that same patch of ice in Mercer, testing its strength—and like us, it never lets us down. It’s the place we’ve fallen more in love each year. It has witnessed our growth, our adventures, and now, the start of our next chapter.

This story is rooted in friendship, built on shared passions, and anchored in love. And now, we can’t wait to write the rest—together.