We initially met while working together as resident assistants at Grand Valley. We were both new to the job, and we immediately became coloring buddies during long days of training. Through every late-night bulletin board making session and ridiculous roommate conflict, we grew closer as friends, eventually realizing we were meant to be more. On February 4, 2019, we made it official, and here we are now!

Steve spent weeks picking out the perfect ring and planning out a special way to propose to Kate. He eventually settled on a hiking trip with Kate and her sisters, Claire and Brenna, to Starved Rock. Despite a park closure (we ended up in Mathiessen State Park), muddy trails, and swarms of people, the day was a success. Towards the end of the long hike, we posed for a photo, and Steve got down on one knee. Although Kate wasn't necessarily surprised, it was the perfect moment! We celebrated the day with a toast, dinner, and a beautifully constructed "engagement cake" made by Kate's mom, Becky. It was a day we will always remember.