It all started with a ridiculously good hug in a library. Tiffany was being her usual self, theatrical as she likes to call it, and losing her mind a bit in the library over something trivial. She was ranting on and on to her librarian Mrs. Kigar about her trials and tribulations of high school while Mrs. Kigar had another plan brewing in the back of her mind. During all this Dustin, of course, was taking a nap. Eventually, with all of Tiffany’s theatrics she woke him up. (We have referenced this many times as “waking the bear”). He arose from his bear-like slumber with a gripping irritation as he looked at Mrs. Kigar and saw her face of concern and he shifted his frustration to Tiffany. He saw her frenzy of turmoil and tears streaming down her face and his frustration faded. He walked over to her and asked her if she needed a hug. Tiffany nodded her head, and he wrapped her in a hug and they both stood there in silence for a moment in an embrace that felt like something more. Then the bell rang. They separated and went on their way.

The beginning sounds like a fairy tale of two high school sweethearts, but that is exactly what happened! Tiffany and Dustin have always said there was something about that hug that was different, whether you call it fate, soulmates, or a zing (from hotel Transylvania) they felt it. From there Dustin moved to Wichita and Tiffany moved to college after graduation. They spent the weekends together going on dates and growing their relationship until they fully moved in together that following summer. Then after some decision making and sheer luck, they were able to move to Lindsborg together... with Nate the ever present third wheel, best friend, and now best man at their wedding. Tiffany planned a trip to Omaha Nebraska for Dustin’s 20th birthday, and it was some of the best fun and exploring they had together. They went sightseeing, to the zoo, shopping, and ate great food! Most importantly while they were there, they spent time talking about some heavy and important topics about their future that shaped their relationship moving forward. Unfortunately, not long after that trip Dustin was picking up their 3rd fur baby scarlet (sister dog to the two ferrets, Chonks and Charles) and was in a car wreck. Thank goodness Dustin came out unscathed as well as Scarlet. However, Dustin was a passenger princess for the next year while they figured out health complications that arose from that situation. Dustin is doing great now, and Tiffany has claimed her rightful place as passenger princess once again. Fast forward to their next big trip together for their 3-year dating anniversary. They chose to go to Branson, Missouri so they could see silver dollar city, see the town, Dustin could experience a roller coaster, and of course hike and horseback riding at dog wood canyon. This location is where Dustin had planned his amazing picture-perfect moment of proposing under a waterfall! He knew Tiffany would absolutely love it and just as they were walking over to the spot where he would propose Tiffany signed them up for an hour-long tram tour around the dogwood grounds. They loved the tram tour! However, Dustin’s nerves were rising, and they eventually arrived back at the location where he planned to propose and Dustin took Tiffany to the waterfall, got down on one knee and proposed! Tiffany of course forgot to put the ring on and wrapped him in a hug not much different from that amazing first hug that started it all.

Now Tiffany and Dustin have reached some great milestones. Dusin has recently achieved two promotions and Tiffany (depending on when you are reading this) is finishing or done with her student teaching. They are looking forward to finding where they will live after Tiffany graduates' college and starting their lives together... alone... without their best friend, third wheel, and best man. He will be missed and never too far for a game night. The plan is to honeymoon in Arkansas at a beautiful, secluded location for some alone time together. They look forward to the journey ahead and are so incredibly grateful for all the people who have helped them along the way to finding each other and building this wonderful life they have.