In 2022, during the start of their senior year at Hope College, Max and Kirsten were introduced by a mutual friend, Jared, at a Hope Catholic's event. After meeting, they quickly discovered a spark and began dating. On November 20, 2022, they officially became boyfriend and girlfriend.

They spent the rest of their senior year together before embarking on a long-distance relationship—Max pursuing his Master's degree in Indiana and Kirsten continuing hers in Michigan. After a year and a half of visits every few weeks, Max began planning the perfect proposal.

On October 19, 2024, just one day after attending Jared's wedding, Max proposed to Kirsten on the beach in Holland, MI—a place Kirsten always wanted to visit. Without hesitation, Kirsten said "yes," and the wedding planning began!

This October, they will marry and start their new life together in Indiana!

Thank you so much for the generous gift! It will definitely be put to good use!