We met in April 2018 at the UW–Stout Keg Krawl, and by July we were officially dating (thanks Brooke!). Our first summer together was full of ice cream dates, bowling, canoeing, jet skiing, dinner dates, and double dates with friends. Rachel became known as "Miss River Falls" to Marcus' friends and coworkers. We had a blast visiting each other at school each weekend and our connection only grew stronger.

During the spring semester of 2020, Rachel studied abroad in Florence, Italy and we went through our first round of long distance. However, it was short lived due to COVID, so Rachel was able to be home for Marcus' virtual college graduation ceremony! Before we knew it, Rachel graduated from college as well. To celebrate, we took a trip to Nashville together and enjoyed lots of live music, good food, the Jack Daniels Distillery, and a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

In August 2021, we started long distance again as Rachel moved to Boston, MA to start her physician assistant program. Marcus helped her move into a new apartment with two strangers who would become great friends. We visited each other as much as we could, but it was difficult with Rachel's classes to get time off. Though, Marcus flew out to Boston every Thanksgiving so we could spend it together. Rachel came home for the summer of 2022 which was memorable for Marcus' first marathon and a trip out to Colorado with Rachel's family. 2023 was the year we were both in Brooke and Jake's wedding and got to walk down the aisle together (foreshadowing!). 2024 was the year that long distance finally ended and we got Luna! We eventually moved to Hastings when we each started new jobs (Rachel at Gillette, Marcus at 3M).

On a 95-degree day in June, Marcus proposed to Rachel at Grandma Kelm's farm and she said yes! BEST DAY EVER (well, until the wedding)!

We have grown both individually and as a couple over the last 7 years, and we can’t wait to celebrate our next chapter as husband and wife with you!