our love story

-The Proposal-

Fast-forward to August 2018: Wil and Kristen became inseparable and were hatching future plans with one another. Wil had stealthily secured a ring and convinced Kristen to join him on an adventure to Isle Royale National Park. Although this five-day backpacking trip was out of her comfort zone, Kristen agreed and promptly began training with a friend who was also hiking the island that summer. When the date was upon them, Kristen and Wil made the trek to Houghton to depart on a seaplane for the remote island in northwestern Lake Superior. The ring was carefully stashed in Wil’s pack as he and Kristen loaded their belongings onto the plane and they flew safely to Windigo Harbor.

The first day of hiking was comprised of a “leisurely” 8.8 miles of rugged terrain. Wil suggested they could catch the sunset at Rainbow Cove. Much to Kristen’s dismay, this viewing area was another two-mile hike from their campsite. She willed her feet to toughen up as he packed a small bag to take along. Although not sure what Wil could possibly be packing, she assumed it was a first aid kit since he was always super prepared. To her surprise, he produced two camp cups and whiskey from the pack upon their arrival to the cove. After relaxing for a while on the beach with their beverages, Wil suggested Kristen stand to snap a picture of the scene. Not realizing this was Wil’s attempt to get on one knee, she declined due to her exhausted legs. Undeterred, Wil started in on his proposal as they sat side by side. He asked Kristen if she would marry him after opening the carefully-stashed box he pulled from his pack. She accepted without missing a beat and slid the beautiful emerald-cut diamond ring onto her finger. On cloud nine as they hiked back to the campsite, their excitement continued as they startled a moose along the trail. An exciting end to the first day, to be sure!

-Happily Ever After-

Wil and Kristen are currently settled in the Sault Ste. Marie area with their beloved dog, Millie (who is a constant rival for Wil’s attention 😉). They are so happy to share this exciting time in their lives with so many wonderful friends and family this summer and to begin the next phase together.