How We Met

Our story begins at Allen College, the nursing school we both went to. We became friends through school and one day, we found ourselves working on the same floor at the local hospital. As nursing assistants, we goofed around and laughed together that first day, but the fireworks didn't start until a "code brown" was announced to both of us. A patient had let the waterworks flow. The dam was broken. The river flooded. You get the idea.

Anyway, we both dutifully entered the room, introduced ourselves to the patient, and got to work cleaning up the very unromantic droppings of an obese middle-aged patient on stool softeners. And then it happened, as if struck by an arrow straight from the quiver of cupid, something hit Luke. He looked up at Talyn as she was wiping the god-awful sludge from the patient's rear, and he took immediate notice of her gorgeous blue eyes. He froze. Never before in his entire life had he seen such a beautiful complexion. As he watched her confidently work and make polite but cute chit-chat with the patient, he knew that she was more than just special, she was a catch.

The First Date

Luke thought about her often for the next several months, but because he was planning to move back to Wisconsin after graduating in December of 2018, he was skeptical if it was a good idea to ask her out. Finally, but he found that he couldn't hold back his feelings. He asked her out and...... She said no.

"It's just not a good time" she said, knowing he was moving. Thankfully she came to her senses a day later and announced,

"What the heck, let's just go on that date!"

Of course Luke, like an idiot said,

"No, no. I'm moving back. It's probably not a good idea."

They both paused for a moment, unsure what to do. But, their two adventurous hearts unanimously decided that one date was more than worth it.

It's a good thing they ended up doing that date because within the first few minutes their chemistry couldn't be ignored. They walked through downtown Cedar Falls, enjoyed some delicious chocolate from the local chocolatier, and to Talyn's embarrassment (at least according to her rosy cheeks), they even held hands. After that date, the rest became history.

Luke ended up moving back to Madison in Spring of 2019 and they dated long distance for a year. Then, at a pivotal moment in their relationship, Talyn decided to move hundreds of miles away to be close to Luke. To Luke, this was the greatest indicator that Talyn was committed to the relationship and to Talyn it was a huge step of faith. She loved this boy and He loved this girl. They spent countless hours together and found greater love day by day. They craved time together, even if it was just going for a walk In the park. To Luke, the next decision was obvious. He bought a ring.

The Engagement

In December of 2020 Luke told Talyn that he was going to photograph one of his colleagues at the Monona Terrace in Madison while she spent time with her family. In reality, Luke was at the Monona Terrace, but he was actually meeting a photographer there to plan a surprise engagement. Once the scene was set, Luke called Talyn and frantically explained to her,

"I've got a flat tire! Oh, shoot! My BRAND NEW tires!! Can you come pick me up? I'm so sorry."

Talyn's mother, Brenda (who was in on the surprise), started driving Talyn to the site. Talyn was determined to help make the situation better for Luke.

Once they arrived, Talyn walked toward Luke with a Jack in hand, looking to help.

"I'm so sorry, Luke! I know how much you loved those tires. It's okay, let's get you some new ones."

Luke stopped her, smiled at her, and positioned themselves with a view of the Wisconsin Capitol building.

"I don't actually have a flight tire, Tal. And I didn't actually take pictures here today."

Talyn was shocked. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about, which was very cute according to Luke. He explained to her that over the last two years he had met and gotten to know one of the most beautiful, kind, and thoughtful women he had even met. He told her that he couldn't imagine going through life without her and then, he got on one knee. To his great delight, she said yes.

And just like that, they were engaged.

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