WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

It all started back in 2001 at White Oak Preschool where Rachel and Clay were in the same class. It was at this moment on picture day that Clay leaned back and whispered to Rachel, “Will you marry me?” Rachel replied, “NO! We are only 4 years old! Come back in 22 years.” Even though Clays heart was broken, he promised to return in 22 years.

THE SET UP

Fast forward 22 years and both Rachel and Clay have moved back to Munster, although they did not remember the fateful moment from kindergarten. Rachel was working her day job and would go play pickleball in the evenings where she met and became friends with Clay's mom, Tammy.

Clay had moved back home where most of his friends had moved away, so his days consisted of working and being home on the evenings/weekends.

This is where Cupid (A.K.A. Tammy Arnold), decided to intervene. She asked this beautiful girl at pickleball if she was single and wanted to go on a blind date with her son. Rachel being the kind angel that she is, said yes of course!

THE MEETING

On November 12, 2023, Clay picked up Rachel for a coffee date where they stayed for over 4 hours. The next 2 weeks consisted of dinner dates, R-Bar Bingo, and a lot of Miller Lites.

It did not take long for Clay to know he had found (or his mother had found) the one.

THE PROPOSAL

On Thanksgiving day of 2024 Rachel and Clay were going to run the 10k Pumpkin Plod race and they were joined by many friends and family who all knew the upcoming secret. After completing the race, Clay got down on one knee to ask the most important question of his life… and this time (unlike 22 years ago) SHE SAID YES!

AFTER THE PROPOSAL

Rachel and Clay got to spend the rest of Thanksgiving day with both sides of family, where Rachel's mom had dug up photos from kindergarten. At that moment, Rachel and Clay were shocked. The promise from 22 years ago came flowing back and they knew it was meant to be for the rest of their lives.

*some details may have been embellished