Our love story began like many modern romances—with a swipe on a dating app. After a few weeks of getting to know each other through messages, we finally met in person on September 20, 2021, for our first date at 30hop in Cedar Rapids. It was a night filled with laughter and connection, and little did we know that this would be the start of something beautiful, and a beautiful backdrop for our engagement photos.

Our first adventure together took us to the charming town of Galena, Illinois, a place that would hold a special place in our hearts. It was during this trip that we truly fell in love, and Galena became a tradition for us—our yearly getaway.

In the summer of 2024, Forrest had a plan in mind. After a long, rainy day, he patiently waited for a break in the clouds. When the rain finally paused, he took Stephanie to Horseshoe Mound, a spot that overlooks downtown Galena. As we stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape, Forrest got down on one knee and asked Steph to spend forever with him. It was perfect, even after the rain.

As we look forward to the future, April 26, 2025, as our wedding date, a day that holds special meaning as it’s the same anniversary as Steph’s grandparents—Stephanie’s mom Kari’s parents. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our love with everyone on that meaningful day.