That’s where we first met, or at least emailed each other. There was some cross-department trash talk about who’d win in a game of cornhole, which led to a happy hour invite, which led to our first time hanging out in the same group. It was a fun night, which led to more fun nights out with the same friends and, about a year and half later, our first real date. At Django, the original one, over on 10th St in that old, beautiful Hotel Fort Des Moines. We were so nervous, neither of us remembers actually tasting the food. But eventually we got over the awkwardness and began a conversation and friendship that we’ve been building on ever since. From that first date we thought it might be something special; by mid-summer we were sure. We were surprised by how much we had in common, how easy it was to spend time together. We shared many interests, big and small... a huge emphasis on family and friends, a common industry that allows us to “talk shop”, a belief that Des Moines just might be the best place on earth, at least for us. We shared a taste for spicy food, a love of good coffee and local beer, an odd fanaticism (eventually, after a few years of persuasion) for the Indiana Pacers. We became best friends, and the last 3+ years became the best we’d ever known. By the time we were on the snowy platform of the promenade in Brooklyn last December, we’d long known that we wanted to spend our lives together. But the question still needed to be asked. While Hans was dealing with a return of the “first date” nerves, a cold and hungry (maybe even hangry) Courtney was wondering how in the world this route was the fastest way to the restaurant. A few words, a kneel, a little dance, maybe even a few tears later, and it was all worth it... we were (officially) on our way. We could not be more excited to have the people we love come to the city we love for a fun celebration. Hope to see you on August 25! -Courtney and Hans