Once upon a time…

Todd and Natasha met at the start of their freshman year, and Natasha made it her goal to become Todd's friend. Even though he introduced himself to her as Tiger, Natasha refused to call him anything other than Todd (she called it his government name). Thus began a mission for Natasha: to prove to Todd that he was, in fact, her friend. A note was made on her phone with pictures and screenshots to be used as evidence against him, not unlike a criminal case. According to a piece of the note signed by Todd, the two of them officially became friends on October 30, 2020. They hung out with their shared friend group frequently during a lockdown of their school attributed to a certain virus, which allowed them to become very close. Then, disaster struck. A rift was formed between their friend group, causing them to take opposing sides and led to about a year long silence between them.

But Todd, missing Natashas bubbly personality and overall awesomeness, reached out and started spending time with her again at the end of their sophomore year! He secretly liked her, but didnt tell ANYONE about it. He just went along, looking wishfully at the woman he would one day call his wife. Natasha would often invite Todd to group things like hide and seek across the school, nightly walks, and general hang outs. At first, there were other boys there, but soon enough, Todd became the only boy in a group of girls. He was invited every time, of course, by Natasha. How could he turn her down?

Junior year started, Todd was a Discipleship Leader and Natasha was the director of an organization called SAC (Student Activities Committee). Having achieved her mission of being Todds friend, Natasha began another mission: NO BOYS ALLOWED! She didn't want any relationship with any man. She was in her "girlbossing era." But then, they took a trip to the north shore. Todd gave her a blanket, goofed around with her, took pictures of her, and genuinely admired her for the person she was. Natasha saw Todd in a different light, and thus began her feelings for him. They both kept it a secret from each other and their friends.

Later on, Natasha got a few flat tires, and reached out to Todd for his help. This allowed them to begin hanging out one on one and got to know each other a little better. They continued being friends, but also being comfortable spending time just the two of them. They started having late night conversations about their lives, and even started doing homework together. Homework together turned into hanging out just the two of them, watching movies and making SAC/DL promos together.

Then, one night after a movie, Todd made the brave leap to ask Natasha out. It took some building of courage in the moment (leading to a somewhat awkward silence between them), but it turned out okay because Natasha said yes! Their first date was accompanied by an assembling of The Council, a group of Natashas friends that met together and watched Natashas location during their date. Todd took Natasha to a nice restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, then the couple went to see the beautiful view of downtown from the top of the Foshay Building. As the night continued on Todd took Natasha to see Christmas lights (as he knew she loved driving around looking at all the colorful seasonal lights). While the couple was driving around, a deer ran out in front of the car, and the couple hit the deer (which is a really funny story now). Todd called his parents to inform them of the accident, and being near by his house the couple drove to the Reiss home to assess the damage (this would be how Todd's family would find out they were on a date). After their date, The Council approved of Todd ecstatically. They scheduled a second date, and a third one after that. On December 15, 2022, at the end of their fourth date, they had a conversation and decided to make their relationship official. Natashas new favorite way to refer to Todd was "Boyfriend."

After making their relationship official, the new couple started their relationship long distance, due to winter break at NCU. Before they had even begun hanging out alone, Natasha had made plans for Todd and some other friends to visit her hometown over the break. This would be the first time that Todd would meet Natasha's parents! The trip to Moline, Illinois would kickstart the seriousness of their relationship. Natasha showed Todd around her hometown and showed him all the places she grew up. Todd's visit lasted a week, then he returned home to Minnesota for the Holiday's and the couple was long distance and communicated via Facetime.

After getting back to school for the new semester, the seriousness of their relationship continued to strengthen. Todd and Natasha discussed their intentions of the relationship which lead to the discussion of marriage between the two. Todd and Natasha came to the conclusion that they wanted to wait until they were graduated from NCU to be married. They dated for about 7 months, and then Todd proposed to Natasha. She said yes!

Photos

Minneapolis engagement photos

Duluth engagement photos

The day we got engaged

Extra fun pics