Macy and Will first met in 8th grade at the Northwest Area Schools Spelling Bee in South Dakota. Somewhere between spelling out tricky words and nervously waiting their turns, they struck up a conversation—and a brief middle school romance. Although young love didn’t last long, a sweet connection had been made.

As they went through high school, Macy and Will watched each other grow up from a distance. They shared mutual friends, small-town events, and the occasional passing. Life eventually led them in different directions—college, new experiences, and discovering their own paths.

After college, fate decided to step in.

They reconnected unexpectedly, and this time, it just clicked. What started with a simple message turned into long conversations, weekend visits, and a deep appreciation for who each other had become. The spark from 8th grade had grown into something real, something lasting.

Now, they’re ready to start a new chapter—side by side.

Dakota Lodge

Grand River Lodge