On June 22, 2021, Viv first noticed Connor at their favorite local ice cream shop, Cup N Cone. After spotting his truck, she left a little note asking him to add her on Snapchat.

The very next day, Connor asked Viv to go on a walk by the lake. They instantly hit it off, talking and laughing like they’d known each other for years. That simple moment led to a summer full of lake days, laughter, and time spent with friends and family.

On August 1, 2021, they went to Admiral D’s on the lake for dinner, where Connor asked Vivian to be his girlfriend, officially starting their love story.

As their relationship grew, Viv supported Connor through his senior year as the quarterback for White Bear Lake. Friday night lights turned into some of their favorite memories together.

When fall came, Connor headed off to UW-Stout to begin his next chapter, while Viv finished her senior year of high school back home. Even with the distance, their relationship only grew stronger, built on love, trust, and late-night FaceTime calls.

That spring, Viv and Connor went on their first trips together with their families — one to sunny Florida and another to beautiful Mexico.

As Connor explored his future, he decided to switch his major to aviation, which meant finding a new school. At the same time, Viv was making her own college decision.

They both felt the Lord calling them to Florida and chose Southeastern University — Viv to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Connor to earn his Bachelor’s in Professional Pilot – Aviation.

Since August 2023, Viv and Connor have moved to Lakeland, Florida to pursue their dreams. Between long study days and spontaneous beach trips, Florida has become a special place in their story.

Connor earned his private pilot’s and instrument license while Viv has been working hard finishing her nursing degree. Through every challenge and celebration, they’ve supported and encouraged each other — growing not just as individuals, but as a team. Along the way, they’ve grown in their faith, found a strong community, and built a life centered on God’s calling for their future.

On the evening of September 20, 2025, Connor planned a night Viv would never forget. He took her to a beautiful waterfront dinner on Anna Maria Island, setting the stage for a perfect Florida sunset.

After dinner, they went for a walk along the beach, waves gently crashing beside them. As the sky turned shades of pink and gold, Connor got down on one knee and asked Viv to spend forever with him. In that sacred moment, they both felt the Lord’s presence, grateful for how He had written their story from the very beginning.

But the surprises didn’t end there — as soon as she said “yes,” Viv’s closest friends ran out to celebrate with them, making the moment even more special. Later that night, they continued the celebration with a party at her uncle’s house, surrounded by family, friends, and so much love. It was a night filled with joy, prayer, and gratitude to God for the beautiful future ahead.