Our story began on September 3, 2019. After arriving at our new home in Salzburg, Austria (pictured above), we were assigned to the same orientation group with three other CSBSJU classmates. Tasked with navigating Salzburg, Jake was quick to take note of Maggie’s lack of navigation skills. However, despite getting lost multiple times, we had a great day and hit it off immediately.

Flash forward a couple of weeks (and a few too many nights at OMalleys pub), we took a group hike in the Austrian Alps. Although Jake practically ran up the mountain while Maggie was trailing towards the back of the pack, the weekend was filled with quality time and conversations. We learned more about one anothers families and hobbies over beautiful views and lots of card games. As Jake was running back down the mountain, Maggie was yet again in the back, this time texting her friend Allie, “I really like this boy...”

At Oktoberfest, Maggie knew it must be love after seeing Jake in his lederhosen. Maggie's dirndl must've sealed the deal too, because a few days later, Jake asked Maggie on a date! On October 16th, we had our first date - watching the sunset at Stiegl brewery overlooking Salzburg. Except remember those poor navigational skills? We got lost on our way and ended up wandering around the city for an extra hour. Lucky for us, we made it just in time for the sunset!

On November 3rd, 2019 Jake asked Maggie to be his girlfriend. We were blessed to have many more magical dates that included travel, Christmas markets, and even some extremely subpar ice skating skills on Jakes part. A month and a half later, before leaving Salzburg, we left notes for one another in our abroad journals. Jake's note to Maggie ended with "I cant wait to see where this goes, and I am so happy that I got to be your bachelor in paradise!"

Four years later, after about a million pfeffer games during COVID, senior year of college, post-grad moves, job changes, and adding a furry friend to our family, Jake proposed. Following some debate on the appropriate time to put up the Christmas tree, Maggie's favorite thing to do each year, we decided November 17, 2023 was the perfect time. We spent the evening baking cookies, cooking dinner together, and decorating for Christmas. After we had finished, Jake reached into his backpack for one final thing - a very special letter, saying all the things Maggie had been waiting to hear. After reading it, Maggie looked up to see Jake on one knee in front of the Christmas tree. There was a resounding YES! followed by a hug filled with so much excitement that it almost knocked the ring out of Jakes hand. Thankfully, our Bachelor in Paradise love story was the beginning of our forever!

We are both beyond blessed by the love and support our families and friends have shown us over the years, and we cannot wait for all the memories to be made in this new chapter our lives. We are very excited to celebrate with you all on December 14, 2024!

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