If they were told that they would know with certainty that they had met their person after dating for only three weeks, they’d have said you were crazy. It all (almost) started Spring of 2019. For two people who hate being on their phones, Abby & Ethan defied their own expectations for online dating. Abby remembers Ethan’s profile vividly: he had bright blue eyes, a dog, and two canoes, and he even biked, camped, and skied! Ethan remembers talking to Abby and how much she enjoyed biking the MS 150, skiing the Birkie, and hiking the shores of Lake Superior, and even rollerskiing (though he wasn't as jazzed to participate in the latter). It all sounded like a dream come true. They had a fantastic first date planned, but plot twist, for reasons completely unrelated to Ethan, Abby canceled before it could happen. Fast forward. After two years of hard fought life lessons for both Abby and Ethan, in 2021 they found themselves ready to jump back into the dating world. To be honest, Abby didn’t really want to do the whole online dating thing again, but then she remembered how lucky she almost was a few years back with that guy named Ethan. After a little (*lot) of coaxing from some close friends, she decided to give it another go. They matched (again), and this time, the first date was planned less than 24 hours in advance (just so that Abby hopefully wouldn’t cancel). After going on six dates in two weeks, they were ready to go on their first backpacking trip together. By three weeks in, both were certain that they had found their person.

To no one's surprise, Abby was very vocal (to anyone who would listen) about her conviction in wanting to marry Ethan. The ring was bought, but if Ethan wanted to surprise Abby, this would take some planning. They'd planned a weekend getaway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for some nordic ski training and Abby was on high alert. With long skis through the snow-flocked trees and relaxing evenings on Lake Superior, Abby thought Ethan would have plenty of opportunity to make this the perfect moment. Alas, Abby left Michigan without a ring. Along the way back home, they stopped by her parents’ for lunch. Ethan, knowing that Abby’s guard was now down, suggested a walk on Lake Superior before heading back to the Twin Cities. After carrying the ring box around for the better part of a week, he led Abby to a quiet bay. It was there, tucked away amongst the old-growth pines, that he asked Abby to marry him.