Morgan and John’s love story started at a local ballpark. This is very fitting for them since they both are very active in their community and sports. They were umpiring a 10U baseball game together. Never have met before they took to the field to do their job. Morgan was the home plate umpire, while John was in the field. Morgan took a couple hits from some missed pitches by the catcher. One pitch in particular struck her leg, missing her protective gear completely. She put on a brave face to continue the game. John quickly jumped to pause the game and make she sure was okay. She was; at least until he approached her and asked “Are you okay?” The tears started once John “came to her rescue.” (You know how it is when you are trying to hold back tears when you are hurt and someone comes to talk to you). He calmed her down and they both went back to their positions on the field to finish the job. The game finished and they went their separate ways.

A couple years passed until their paths crossed again. Morgan went off to college at Missouri State University in Springfield and John started coaching the Fatima girl’s basketball team while continuing to work on the farm. One September Saturday they were both at a wedding. That wedding something felt different between the meeting of the two. Maybe it was the time that had passed or maybe it was the alcohol. But something sparked between them and they realized that even though they hadn’t spoken in a long time, there was an easy familiarity. They spent the evening dancing, laughing and enjoying their time together, unsure of if this was the moment they would reconnect or if they would go their separate ways like they did years ago. And so it was, the beginning of something special for the two. A couple months later, John asked Morgan to be his girlfriend January 1st, 2021. It wasn’t always easy from there. Morgan was still in school, so they did 2 years of long distance. Morgan made trips back home to Osage County and John came to visit her at school. After what felt like forever for the couple, Morgan finished school and moved back home.

On October 7th, 2023, they made a trip to Herman with their friends where John proposed to Morgan. John got down on one knee at a winery overlooking the Missouri River. Morgan was shocked having had no idea that day would be the start of this new chapter of their lives together.

In the midst of all the chaos and crazy schedules that their lives hold, one thing has remained evident and clear: their love for each other. Morgan works as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department working 12-hour shifts, substitute teaches at Fatima and continues to umpire. John works at Sinquefield’s doing landscape and maintenance, coaches girls’ basketball, substitute teaches at Fatima also, and still finds time to work and care for the family farm. They both have something on their schedules every single day. However, they find time to support each other in their endeavors and show their love for each other daily.

Looking back at the first moment when they met – just two umpires – trying to get through a grueling 10U baseball game, unknowingly making a call that would change the course of their lives forever. They are so excited to celebrate with everyone that they love the most and have supported them up to this day. This is just the beginning of their story, and they cannot wait to enjoy such a special day with you.