This is my favorite story:

One thing about us is that we love weddings! Our story starts because of one, and we have a feeling that our own wedding is the only one that could top that night for us. Nick and I went to Bethel University, but surprisingly, did not really cross paths until after we graduated and only knew of each other from our many mutual friends.

It wasn't until a wedding in 2022 that we connected for the first time (shoutout to Jenna and Stephen Oslin!!!). I was a Bridesmaid and he was an Usher. I (Emily) may have made the first move (debatable!!), but it was Nick’s dance moves that sealed the deal.

Our first date was at Sociable Cider Werks in MPLS a few weeks later where we played trivia (he is really good at trivia and I am really good at watching him be good at trivia). I remember thinking that something was different about him after that date and had a really good feeling about him.

Here we are today, hundreds of dates later, and I can truly say I couldn't have thought up someone better for myself. He has so many strengths where I am weak and I am confident that that is not a coincidence; God’s plan for us in this relationship was infinitely better than I could have ever imagined. I could have never known I would be so deeply loved and cherished by the boy on the dance floor with the mustache (although that was not my favorite look of his).

If you know Nick then I don’t even have to tell you how incredibly special he is. He is a friend to everyone in such a genuine and self-sacrificing way that makes people instantly love him. I can’t believe I get to love him for my whole life!

He is truly my very best friend and I cant even express in words what it feels like to get to love and be loved by him.

Nick, you are my favorite person and my home. I am honored to get to walk this life with you forever; I love you always.

-Emily

I’m so excited for my turn.

Emily entered my life at a mutual friend's rehearsal dinner on September 30th, 2022. I was surprised that we had never met due to how many mutual friends we have, and once I spoke with her, I realized what I had been missing out on. I had just met someone so beautiful, outgoing, quick-witted, with a personality that’s impossible not to be drawn to, AND is adored by people I trust? She has to be too good to be true (spoiler - she’s real). I immediately started to think of how I could talk to her again at the wedding.

After trying to get her attention by making eye contact throughout the day preparing for the wedding at the venue, and with some dance moves, I finally got the courage to ask for her number. In turn, Emily made me memorize it because she’s hilarious (also because we didn’t have our phones).

We hung out a few times in group settings for Bethel soccer games, karaoke, Halloween activities, and more, and after a while, I again had to muster up some courage to finally ask her on a date to trivia at Sociable Cider Werks. We did pretty well considering the topics were sandwiches and jeans…

It took me all but a couple of dates to have a feeling that she changed my life for the better (just ask my roommates - I called it). Her laugh, her wisdom, and her light are so irresistibly genuine; how could I do anything but fall in love with her?

She captivates any room she’s in (you’ll find that out on May 31, 2025, in case you don’t already know), so I started making a point of being in the same room as her as much as I could, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

After just over an amazing official year and a half together of thrifting, trying new foods, hanging out with our incredible

support system of friends and family, growing together as individuals, as a team, and in faith, and of course, after mustering up more courage, I asked her to marry me on June 22nd, 2024 in the Lyndale Rose Garden.

Emily has pushed me to grow and taken care of me in more ways than I deserve and has been an example of Christ in ways I didn’t know I needed. She is everything I have ever asked for in a future wife and more.

I get to have Emily as my best friend, partner, and a role model for the rest of my life.

Emily, I love you more than I can explain; I can’t wait to make you my wife and love you every day for the rest of my life.

-Nick