It was a cold December night at Concordia University Saint Paul. Belle and Nolan were both invited to a Christmas party for the student ministry groups.

While they were enjoying the party, Nolan asked the group if anyone wanted ito shoot pool. Belle was the first person to jump up and accept the offer. The conversation quickly became competitive.

Did you know after that night, their next conversation was about Big Time Rush over Instagram DM’s? Belle and Nolan went to one of their concerts later that summer!

Later that year, Belle and Nolan joined Solus Christus (a small CSP Christian book club - pictured above). Nolan had graduated but was invited back to the group to finish out the school year.

Since Nolan was working a full-time job, he couldnt always make sessions, but when he did, Belle always made sure to greet him as he walked in the door. Her beautiful smile tugged at his heart. Throughout that spring semester, Nolan asked for Gods guidance as he contemplated asking Belle out.

Nolan: “There were a number of reasons I looked forward to Solus. Seeing Belle was pretty high on that list. Every time I arrived at Yellow Bird she would smile and welcome me. It melted my heart a little whenever she smiled.”

Success! Belle said yes!

Belle and Nolan started dating at the end of Belles freshmen year of college... Pictured above are a couple of very important first-date photos:

(top left) is their first date! Belle and Nolan went to yum! Kitchen and Bakery. Afterwards, Belle showed Nolan some of her piano skills in the Buetow Auditorium.

Nolan: “I remember getting a warm feeling on that first date. Especially when we decided to go back to CSP and sit down at the piano. Sitting two abroad on a piano bench felt intimate and fun. Belle is a very gifted pianist. Her passion for music is one of the qualities that attracted me to her in the first place. She really swept me away.”

Did you know yum! was not the first place Nolan tried to take Belle on their first date? Nolans original plan was to take her to Zait & Zaatar because neither of them had ever tried Mediterranean food before. It was only upon their arrival to the restaurant that he realized they were closed for Ramadan! At a loss for what to do, Nolan lead Belle on a wandering stroll while trying desperately to think of what to do next. Thankfully, they came upon yum! and the rest became history. This first date set a precedent of Nolan making a plan, the plan collapsing in a spectacular fashion, and him trying to find something else last minute.

Nolan: “I think Belle would say I pulled it off most of the time. She might not be willing to admit it, but I’d say she finds my planning style endearing.”

(top right) is Valleyfair! Belle and Nolan LOVE amusement parks. Through the summer, you can often find them going on roller coaster rides while trying to stay cool.

(bottom left) is a Twins Game! Belle had never been to a Twins game, so Nolan offered to take her. It was a lot of fun even though it started raining cats and dogs toward the end of the game.

Belle: “Often times, we would go to ValleyFair or other events like seeing the Twins play with more than just each other. I loved seeing how Nolan interacted and treated others with kindness, positivity, and goofiness.”

(bottom right) is Springlake Park! Belle and Nolan would go to that park in Rosemount, MN to read the Bible together, get to know each other, and walk around. It is truly a beautiful place.

After those first couple dates, it was smooth sailing all the way... Gods timing for them really couldnt have been more perfect. Their schedules always seemed to line up which enabled them to get to know each other better and better. Their love for each other only grew!

Belle: “There was never anything that felt off. Everything clicked. Nolan’s personality, passion, and drive matched mine. It made me feel so confident in our capabilities together.”

This was a really special night. Belle and Nolan took the opportunity to talk about their year together and reflect over their relationship. It was a great opportunity to thank God for His provision in their lives. All while eating some great fondue at Melting Pot in Minneapolis, MN.


(Photo taken & printed by the Restaurant)

Their second anniversary was more relaxed. Something they love to do together is try new things... especially food! There was a new hot pot place (J Pot) in Maplewood, MN that they had to try out!

Belle: “Seeing Nolan try new things, especially food that I grew up with, makes me so happy. It makes me feel understood in a way he might not realize.”

While Belle was about 4 hours away from CSP presenting at a Research Symposium in Winona, Nolan drove to Hastings, MN to ask Belles dad for his blessing. Belle had no idea!

Did you know that after this symposium, Belle invited her friends and Nolan to get dinner? He had to play like he didn’t just drive up from Hastings!

Pictured above is Belle's research team that presented in Winona.

Nolan proposed! Belle was so shocked (hence the look on her face!) I told you previously that the very important date photos would be important! He proposed at Springlake Park in Rosemount, MN and asked their siblings to be there to celebrate with them immediately.

Later that afternoon, they got to celebrate with the rest of their family and friends at yet another surprise-- their engagement party!

Did you know that Belle really had no idea Nolan was going to propose? Everyone in her family thought she knew it was coming! Nolan, with the help of both sets of siblings, had convinced Belle that they were going to the park to kill time before picking up her sister Mia to see the musical Little Shop of Horrors in the cities. They never did see that musical.