Maddie and I first met on a chilly December evening, on December 18, 2021, at Foley’s bar in Madison, South Dakota. Throughout the night, we exchanged glances across the room, each one filled with curiosity and a spark of something unspoken. Finally, one of my friends encouraged the two girls sitting across the bar to join us. That was when Maddie and I had our first real conversation.

By the end of the night, I couldn’t leave without asking for her phone number—but to be sure it wasn’t a fake, I asked her for it twice. The next day, I found myself debating whether to text her. After a couple of hours, I took a leap and sent her a message. When her reply finally came, it felt like the beginning of something special. From that moment, we couldn’t stop talking. For weeks, we texted, called, and got to know each other, each conversation making me realize how incredible she was.

On February 22, 2022, I worked up the courage to ask her to be my girlfriend, and she said yes. From then on, our lives became a series of adventures—road trips, quiet moments, and shared dreams that brought us closer together.

After nearly two years of laughter, love, and building a life together, I knew it was time to take the next step. I secretly spoke with our families, asking for their blessings to propose. My sister and brother-in-law were moving from North Carolina to South Dakota, which gave me the perfect excuse to plan a proposal on the beach.

The day was perfect. The ocean waves whispered in the background, the sun painted the sky with soft hues, and Maddie’s smile lit up the moment. With my heart full of love, I asked her to marry me. To my joy, she said yes!

Now, as we prepare for our wedding on June 14, 2025, I can’t help but feel grateful for God's plan to bring us together and the future we’re building side by side.