It all started in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where both Cole and Madi went to college. The year was 2020, around September, and Madi spotted Cole at the gym. She was determined to get him to talk to her from that moment. Some may call it slight stalking, but Madi preferred to call it "intense admiration from a safe distance." She tried everything short of directly approaching him—whether working out near him or timing the end of her workout to coincide with his, she was on a mission.

Finally, her hard work paid off, they matched on Tinder and Cole approached her at the gym. Mission accomplished! From that moment, things took off.

Their first date was at Whisky Road. They had so much fun that they decided to go to the gym afterward together. That’s when Cole knew Madi was a keeper—someone who could enjoy some good food and still be up for a workout. They soon began spending a lot of time together, from movie nights to gym sessions, exploring different restaurants, and growing closer each day.

They officially started dating on November 1st, though Cole was under the impression they were already a couple. Madi had to inform him that he needed to officially ask her out first. So, the next morning, while she was still sleeping, Cole snuck out, got her favorite McDonald’s breakfast, and some flowers, and asked her to be his girlfriend. How could she say no?

In January, Cole graduated and moved to Pella for work. The distance only made them stronger. It wasn’t too far of a drive, so they saw each other every weekend, rain, shine, or blizzard. Their time together was precious, and they made the best of it, being silly goofballs and their true selves with each other. They found that being together made them better versions of themselves.

By November 2021, Madi started her first year of teaching and coaching in Centerville. Meanwhile, Cole was growing tired of his job in Pella. They were tired of the distance and decided to close the gap. Cole moved to Centerville, and they found a great place to rent. The transition was easy since they were best friends and got along so well. They enjoyed more of what they loved—working out, watching TV, and being there for each other through the good and bad. Cole was job hunting, and Madi was navigating her first year of teaching while coaching two sports. They supported each other through it all.

As the school year ended, they started missing their friends and found themselves driving up to the Des Moines area many weekends. They wanted to be more involved with their friends while they were young and decided to move closer. Cole found a remote job with AllState, Madi got a job at Saydel Middle School, and they found a fantastic apartment in Ankeny. It was refreshing to see their friends more often and find their new grove. Their bond continued to strengthen as they built their new life in Des Moines, facing challenges together and celebrating each other’s successes.

It became apparent to both of them that they had found the person to spend the rest of their lives with. They have great communication, understand each other, and bring the best out in one another. On October 29th, Cole got down on one knee and of course, Madi said yes! It was a day they would both cherish forever.

Their next big decision was whether to get married or buy a place first. They decided that owning their own home was a big step toward their dream. On April 17th, they closed on their first place, the perfect condo in Des Moines. It came with its struggles, but they stressed the importance of communication to keep their relationship healthy, happy, and strong. They stuck to their foundation and faced every challenge together, emerging stronger.

Madi and Cole love the life they are building and look forward to their bright, beautiful future together. Here's to more adventures, more laughs, and a lifetime of love.