Laura and Chris met through work in 2018. During a potluck lunch, the couple bonded during the Nebraska/Iowa game. Chris of course hoping Nebraska would win, and Laura hoping Nebraska would lose. After the game and workday was over, Laura stayed to work on some things. Chris, being a true gentleman, didn’t want Laura to be there by herself so he stayed to keep her company. Once Laura realized Chris was still there and no one else, she casually informed him that he didn’t have to stay and babysit her. Little did Chris know at the time, this was the attitude he’d end up dealing with for the rest of his life.

As they were getting to know each other, they spent their weekends watching movies Laura had never seen, and having competitions to see who could sleep the most/longest. They shared similar hobbies, such as golfing, gardening, and traveling, and they now had each other to enjoy these things with.

The couple moved to Red Oak in 2019, and shortly after brought their first dog together home, Miya.

Miya was able to show the couple how to be patient, how to laugh in frustration, and most importantly how to love unconditionally. Laura decided that Miya needed a sibling, so in the fall of 2020 Ginger joined the family.

The couple bought their first house and moved to Farragut in 2021. After they settled into their new jobs, routines, and lives, it was actually Chris who gave the okay to bring a third dog into the family. On Valentine’s Day in 2022, the couple brought home Miya’s dad, Duke. Easily the best gift ever; good luck topping that one, Chris!

In 2024, Miya fell unexpectedly ill. This was a true test for Laura and Chris, as it was one of the hardest thing they’ve faced together. They were able to lean on each other, support one another, and understand each other’s pain. As heartbreaking as this experience was, this is where Laura and Chris learned to love unconditionally.

After having such a quiet household and struggling to adjust to their new “normal”, Laura knew they needed some light, smiles and laughs back in their lives. In June, Georgia joined the family.

By 2024 it was quite obvious to Chris and many others that Laura was getting quite antsy about getting a ring.

In August, Laura and Chris had made a weekend trip to South Dakota to visit Laura’s best friend Amber and celebrate her son’s first birthday. Laura and Chris went walking around the lake they were at, and they had found themselves out on the dock, alone. The wheels in Laura’s and Amber’s heads were spinning, as Amber made her way down the hill with her phone recording…

BUT NOTHING HAPPENED.

Amber and Laura shared a look when they made it back up the top of the hill, and Chris got an earful from Amber when Laura went to use the restroom. Chris also got an earful from Laura once they got back to their hotel. But Chris held strong, stuck to his plan, and didn’t just drop down on a knee outside the Super 8.

That next day, the couple stopped in Sioux Falls and went to the Zoo and to Falls Park. Atop the lookout tower at Falls Park, Chris got on one knee and asked Laura to marry him on August 18, 2024.