Maddie walked into work on her first day at Deloitte Minneapolis in a royal blue blazer and short, dark hair and introduced herself to me immediately. She was the epitome of professional and already better at our job in minute one than I ever was. At the same time, there was unmistakable kindness and enthusiasm for life that I found endearing and still to this day absolutely love. Maddie and I got to know each other well over the next few months, and we started dating about a year later. Since then, life has been filled with falling in love, long distance, moving to Denver, all of the laughs, and plenty of adventure. I absolutely can't wait to marry her.

Bennett and I decided to make a quick pitstop in the Netherlands on our way to visit his brother and sister-in-law in Israel. The Netherlands has always held a special place in my heart, as I studied abroad there and still have many close friends in the country. I planned November 13th for months - I'd rent us bikes in my favorite Dutch city, Maastricht, and show Bennett all of my go-to spots. I planned the day to conclude at my favorite place alongside the river. Little did I know, I planned my entire proposal. Bennett proposed that afternoon along the river, and I couldn't have been more excited (and shocked). We're so excited for the next chapter of our lives, and we're so grateful to share it with each of you. See you in Colorado!