We had both been on dating apps for a while... and were both TIRED of them. About to give up hope, Stacey ran across a profile of a good looking guy on a boat and decided to take a chance. After a swipe right, her and Kyle immediately matched. After chatting on the app for a couple weeks, we decided to grab a drink. Our first date was at Gastro Grub and Pub on October 7th, 2021, the beginning of our lives together.

We had planned a weekend trip to Decorah for late July. Kind of an early birthday trip for both of us (Stacey 7/26 and Kyle 7/30). We spent all day Friday kayaking on the upper Iowa River. It was a beautiful day and we practically had the river to ourselves. That evening, we had dinner at Toppling Goliath and then decided to take a walk around Palisades Park-- it overlooks the entire city. We found a lookout point and stopped to chat and take in the view. Next thing Stacey knew, Kyle was down on one knee. After a few VERY happy tears (by Stacey), she eventually enthusiatically said yes! We had some champagne and face-timed our family and closest friends. We spent the rest of the evening on the patio of Hotel Winneshiek enjoying a bottle of wine with permanent smiles on our faces.