In the early spring of 2023, our wonderful mutual friend, Regan, decided we should meet. Neither of us was looking very hard for love, but she was convinced we'd be a great match—and she was right. We exchanged numbers and quickly went from texting every day to talking late into the night. Before long, we were planning our first date. We quickly realized we shared the same sense of humor, could talk about just about anything, and genuinely looked forward to every conversation.

At the time, we were both in college with busy schedules, but we found one free weekend, and Kaelin made the three-hour drive from Decorah to Ames. It happened to be April Fool's Day, but from the very beginning, something about us just felt right.

Brett planned a date night at The Café in Ames, which is still one of our favorite places. After dinner, we went to a play and ended the evening at a party with Brett's parents and some friends. Between plenty of laughs, a few drinks, and some good-natured teasing for holding hands under the table, we knew our first date was a success. Two weeks later, Brett made the trip to Decorah and asked Kaelin to officially be his girlfriend.

For the next year and a half, our relationship was built on weekend visits and countless miles on I-35. Some weekends, one of us would make the three-hour drive after classes or work just to spend a day together, and somehow those miles never felt like a burden. Even after Brett graduated from Iowa State and started working in Ames while Kaelin finished her final semester at Luther College, the weekend drives continued. We never questioned whether the distance was worth it because every mile brought us closer to each other. After graduating, Kaelin moved to Ames, and for the first time, we got to build a life together in the same place.

Living in the same place meant discovering our favorite restaurants, taking evening walks, and learning how to navigate adulthood side by side. Through every new challenge, we grew even closer.

Then, on a beautiful spring morning on May 10, 2025, everything changed. During a walk at one of our favorite spots, we stopped by a pond to watch the ducks together. As Kaelin stood up to continue our walk, she turned around to find Brett down on one knee, holding a ring and asking her to marry him. It was a moment we'll never forget—simple, unexpected, and perfectly us. Saying "yes" was the easiest decision she had ever made.

Planning our wedding has been an exciting season of our lives. Along the way, life has also brought a few unexpected challenges, but through every high and low, our love has only grown stronger. Looking back, we're so grateful that one friend decided to play matchmaker, because it led us to the life we're building together today.

We can't wait to celebrate this next chapter with our family and friends. Thank you for being part of our story and for celebrating this special day with us!

With love,

Kaelin & Brett