Our story begins long before we fell in love! In 2012, we met in 6th grade and stayed great friends all the way through high school. During our sophomore year, we even went to a dance together! Throughout the first three years of college, we occasionally kept in touch, calling between St. Ben’s and the University of Denver. Reminiscing about our years of friendship before dating reminds us of just how special that time was. Those years provided a foundation in which our relationship would later flourish.

In the spring of 2022, Brady’s mother passed away after battling cancer for several years. Brady was in Minnesota spending time with friends and family in the months following. That summer, we crossed paths a few times, discovering a connection that was deeper than usual and finding ourselves thinking of each other as more than friends. Looking back, it is apparent that the connection we found was orchestrated by God. It is humbling to reflect on this time in our lives and realize how something wonderful can come from such a sad and difficult time of loss.

A few days before Brady left to drive back to Colorado, Kayla told him to call her when he got there. He did, and not a day has gone by that we haven’t talked, and those conversations helped us really learn how our faiths, values, and aspirations align.

In November 2022, Brady “happened” to have a two-hour layover at the Minneapolis airport. Kayla, feeling generous, decided to commit to the 90-minute drive from St. Ben’s to see him while he waited for his next flight. Good thing she did, because Brady knew he was going to ask Kayla to start dating that day, and we have now been together for over 3 years!

Doing “long-distance” for the first two years was difficult, but we often say how important that time was for us to realize how much we really wanted to be together. It also allowed for some fun weekends (and a few surprise visits) to meet each other’s college friends! Brady moved back to Minnesota after graduating…a 30-minute drive to see each other is much more enjoyable than a 2-hour plane ride 😊.

On September 13th, 2025, Brady pulled off a beautiful proposal at the O’Keefe family cabin! Brady achieved his goal of completely surprising Kayla. After arriving in our boat with Kayla’s dad at the wheel, Brady got down on one knee at the end of the dock. He shared some very sweet words with Kayla…that he later had to repeat to her because she was too excited to comprehend them in the moment! Brady was set on creating a meaningful and picturesque proposal, and he greatly succeeded!

Thank you so much to all of you who have played various “roles” in our story! We feel overwhelmingly blessed and grateful for everyone who has supported, loved, and laughed with us over these last few years. We are waiting joyfully for all that God has intended for our future together. It will be wonderful to celebrate with you on August 22nd. We are counting down the days!

Love, Kayla & Brady