This is the story of Kylie and me. We met, and we liked each other… a lot. So, I decided to ask her to marry me and she decidedly said “Yes” with great enthusiasm. To seal the deal, the Nuptial Mass will be December 28th at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary’s.

Now for the less practical and more sappy audience…

Michael and I met while chaperoning a Diocesan Steubenville Youth Conference trip. When I walked into the Cathedral on the first day of the trip it was as if Michael was highlighted. I was immediately drawn to him and hoped he was coming on the trip too. Well, lucky me, he wasn't just going on the trip, but we were also on the same bus. (I, Michael, was hoping she wasn't a minor with the way she was looking at me!)

We officially met the following day on the St. Thomas campus. We introduced ourselves and he made sure I knew that he was a single man with a very cute dog. (No, a very attractive dog) Throughout the rest of the weekend, we conveniently kept ending up next to each other. Then finally on the last day of the trip as we were loading up the buses, Michael walked with me to the bus and asked me on a date. (I figured it wasn't very safe for Safe Environment to do it any earlier) I very excitedly said yes and we spent the entire 7 hour bus ride getting to know each other and planning our first date.

Because of bad timing (aka her Nickelback concert), two weeks later we went our first date. Michael picked me up at my apartment with a bouquet of light purple roses and sunflowers from his farm. He treated me to Texas Roadhouse, took me on a walk in a nearby park, and then surprised me with a sunset riverboat cruise. It was the perfect first date. (Well, first and second date, but that's too long of a story)

Michael officially asked me to be his girlfriend the following week on a trip out to Medora. He took me to St. Mary's Church and gave me a letter where at the very end he asked me to be his girlfriend. I started crying, as I so often do, and said yes.

Throughout our dating relationship most of our dates consisted of riding in the grain cart and truck, homemade meals, or game days with my friends.

Fast forward to six months after Michael officially asked me to be his girlfriend, he asked me if I would become his wife. The day started with me waking up, curling my hair and painting my nails, then as I left my apartment I told my roommate, "I'll see you later. I'm off to get engaged." (How did she know???) I was fairly certain Michael was proposing, but I didn't expect how wonderful of a day it would become. (Oh my goodness, the sap!) When I arrived at the farm, Michael came to greet me with a singular rose and said, "Happy six month anniversary." After that, he allowed me to take off my coat and then asked if I wanted to go cuddle on the couch. As I walked into the living room, I saw a huge bouquet of roses and sunflowers, some cowgirl boots, and some other sunflower decorations. Michael grabbed the ring, got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. I cried, said yes, then proceeded to say "holy crap" about a million times. (She did say that a lot) I wanted to tell my parents right away, but knew that they would be in Mass so we texted them a picture, and went over to Michael's parents' house to tell them. (She may of known she was getting engaged, but I was about to pull one over on her!)

When we arrived at Michael's parents' house we were greeted by his parents and sisters with signs. I walked inside and went into the kitchen where I saw my parents. Michael had set up the whole surprise where my parents traveled eight and a half hours to come celebrate with us. (Hehe, didn't see that one coming!) We spent the entire day with family and it truly was the most perfect proposal and perfect day. (Good story Ky!)

Baymont by Wyndham Mandan Bismarck Area