Jex and I are both part of our local church ministry, Salt Company, so in a way, that’s where we first met, but the real spark happened one Thursday night at Coe College. A group was playing ultimate frisbee, and while I couldn’t play, I waved to a friend from the sidelines—Jex waved back. I didn’t notice, but my friend beside me did, and when she told me, something just clicked as if it fell into place. It was such a bizarre feeling!

Our first real interaction came during Coe’s finals week. I went to study with my cousin in the library—partly hoping to “accidentally” run into Jex. Believe it or not, we did, on the same day, same time, and same floor! Jex walked by to fill his water bottle, we made eye contact, and this time we both waved! But, I wasn’t going to let it end there because what were the chances of this, so in that moment without really thinking at all my body got up from my chair grabbed my water bottle and walked out there to go “fill up” my water bottle (mind you it was 75% full). We struck up a small conversation and then went our separate ways.

Later down the road with the help of my maid of honor, Gracie, Jex got my Snapchat off of a story she “randomly” posted with my username in it (not random at all it was totally planned and IT WORKED!) Jex later on invited me to hang out with him and some friends at Big Grove. After some fun memories and a trip to his friend's condo Jex asked me out on a first date and got my number. A couple days later we were going on our first date, which long story short, was supposed to be a walk to Mount Trashmore and then became an 8-mile hike on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail! This was followed by more dates including a night of line dancing when he asked me to be his girlfriend.

From then on we’ve made countless amounts of good memories filled with joy, laughter and love and on July 30, 2025 Jex got down on one knee and asked me to marry him which was the easiest “yes” ever!! Now I can’t wait to see all the places God will take us and I am so beyond excited to start a life together and become one with him.

Madalyn and I were both involved in our college ministry in Cedar Rapids called Salt Company, but we were never in the same friend group. That changed one night when I was heading to the sand volleyball courts. I had a growing interest in her since fall retreat earlier that year, so I thought she waved at me (she hadn’t), but I waved back—and for me, that small moment confirmed my interests.

We first officially talked during finals week at Coe. I had just gotten a haircut and was studying when I spotted her in a study room. I waved, she came out, and we had our first short conversation. Later I added her on Snapchat after seeing her tagged in a friend’s story.

Our next interaction came again at the volleyball courts. At first she wasn’t there, but when she showed up it made my night. We ended up on opposite teams, then later at Buffalo Wild Wings where we sat next to each other. I was nervous, but she carried the conversation. A few days later, I invited her to Big Grove with some friends, and afterward, as we left, I asked if she’d want to go on a date. She said yes, and we exchanged numbers.

For our first date, we went on an 8-mile walk along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail—never making it to Mount Trashmore, but asking questions and building a foundation. From there came vacations, weddings, and line dancing, until on May 22, 2024, I asked her to be my girlfriend.

Many dates, fun competitions, and memories followed. Eventually it was time for the next step. My plan was to propose July 25th, but with ring delays it ended up happening on July 30th. The ring arrived that morning, and after a fancy dinner, I got down on one knee and asked Madalyn to marry me. She said yes, and after celebrating with family, I knew without a doubt—I can’t wait to marry the love of my life and see all that God has in store for us.