Brett and Maggie met in 2017 at Grand Valley State University through Greek Life, and right away knew there was something so undeniably special about the other. They became fast friends. Brett graduated from GVSU in April 2018, though he remained in the area while he applied to Physician Assistant school. Maggie was applying to nursing school at that time (Brett drove her to her interview, even) and soon was accepted to GV’s program. The first date took place on Halloween in 2018. Brett took a chance and asked Maggie to go see a matinee movie. Realizing after the fact that a movie is not a particularly good date, Brett called Maggie to see if she had time to get something to eat afterwards. Maggie said yes and even skipped class to be there. The first date led to a second one, and soon enough the two were inseparable. They were “officially dating” on December 13th, 2018.

They enjoyed the next several months living close by one another, attending Crossroads Bible Church, watching shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, and enjoying all that Grand Rapids had to offer, particularly Boot Night at New Holland Brewing Company. With Spring of 2019 fast approaching, Brett had to move back to the east side to start PA school at Eastern Michigan University. The next few years proved to be a challenge as they lived over 2 hours apart. However, Brett and Maggie remained committed to seeing each other on every possible weekend. While the distance was difficult, the late-night calls and short weekends spent with one another were always worth it. They perfected the art of the Weekend Trip, whether it was bikepacking and kayaking in the UP, skiing up north, tailgating in Ann Arbor, or quality time with each others families and pets.

Brett was able to find a position as a PA in Grand Rapids, and they were finally living just 20 minutes apart again for the first time in over 3 years. They now work in connected hospitals in downtown GR and get to spend the occasional lunch hour (or even a surgery) together! They have returned to some of their old favorite spots, and become regulars at new places, making Grand Rapids more of a community and home. Most importantly, over all these years, their connection continued to grow and their love continued to deepen. Brett proposed to Maggie on a cold, snowy morning of December 21st, 2024. She said yes :) Now, all of you get to be part of the next step in their journey.