The first time I saw Michael was at his senior prom pictures in 2017. I had gone to see my cousin Maddie and her (now) husband Jarrod for their senior prom! It just so happened that Michael was in their prom group and looked super handsome. Flash forward two months later, I was on my way home from a softball tournament in Virginia and we took a pit stop for the night at my aunt and uncles house in Carmel. That next day would change my life forever! Maddie invited me to go to brunch with her and Jarrod and some of their friends, and I said yes! We went to Lincoln Square Pancake House and I sat right next to Michael. We both ordered a hot chocolate (in the dead of summer) and were the only two single people there. After we were finished eating, the waiter went around the table and asked how we were doing checks, and after the other two couples said they were together, the waiter looked at us and we had to awkwardly tell them we were separate. After that, Maddie, Jarrod, Michael and I went back to the Maddie's house and played a few rounds of euchre. A few hours later, I was on my way home. It wouldn't be for another few weeks that I would work up the courage to ask Maddie for Michael's snapchat. That night I would send the Snapchat that would change my life forever. From that night on, we haven't stopped talking. For the next 4 and a half years, we would do long distance. When they say distance makes the heart grow fonder, they aren't kidding! Doing long distance was the hardest thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding. Our relationship was able to grow so much in that time and truly prepared us to for our future to come. In that time, we experienced so many milestones together. My high school graduation, both of our college graduations, both of us getting our first jobs, and most importantly, moving in together in September 2022. The past 7 years together have been the most incredible, fun, and loving years of my life. I absolutely cannot wait to marry him and see where the rest of our lives take us. I love you Michael!!

I was blessed with Kaylee’s presence the summer before I went to college. While headed to brunch thinking I was going to 5th wheel my friends for the millionth time, there was a 6th person there waiting. Although we may not have had a full conversation there, I could not get over how beautiful the girl sitting next to me was. Luckily we hung out after and I guess my awkwardness didn’t scare her off because she asked her cousin Maddie for my snapchat. Immediately as we started talking I felt a connection to someone that I’ve never felt before, I just knew I had to do everything to make this last. As we continued to talk I visited her in Peoria and she came to visit me at IU, and even though I knew we’d be long distance I asked her to be my girlfriend - and the rest was history. In our seven years of being together I could not ask for a better partner - Kaylee has made me the happiest I’ve ever been and I CANNOT WAIT to marry her!!! I love you Kaylee, forever and ever !!!