The Proposal
Shane had been meticulously planning the perfect proposal for Amanda for YEARS, and a cruise with a port of call in St. Thomas, USVI seemed like the ideal backdrop, since after all, they met because of the University of St. Thomas (in Minnesota). On this cruise trip, Shane and Amanda were joined with Shane's parents Del and Nancy. Together, they arranged a fun Catamaran excursion to a small island called Christmas Cove, little did Amanda know how special this trip would really be. On February 2, 2023, the sun was shining, casting a golden glow over the sparkling Caribbean Sea. With the wind in their hair and excitement in their hearts, they set sail towards the enchanting Christmas Cove. As the catamaran gently glided through the crystal-clear waters, Shane couldn't contain his excitement (and nerves!), and coordinated with the Captain his top-secret mission. Since Shane was away for a while discussing the plan with the Captain, Amanda thought Shane was seasick which wasn't anything out of the ordinary, and was enjoying her time with Shane's parents. Meanwhile, Del and Nancy had a very important role - keeping the ring in their possession! As they reached the secluded beach of Christmas Cove, Shane coordinated with the Captains to let them ashore first. Once on shore, they were the only ones on the beach which made for a great opportunity for a photo op! "What's that over there? Look over there," Shane says to distract Amanda so he could buy some time to get the ring from the bag. Of course, Amanda fell for it, and was looking off into the distance looking for whatever Shane was talking about, and thought to herself there is NOTHING over there. Then she turns around, and there he is, Shane got down on one knee and poured his heart out to Amanda. He told her how much she meant to him, how she had changed his life for the better, and how he couldn't imagine spending another day without her by his side and asked, "Amanda, will you marry me?" Overwhelmed with emotion, Amanda said yes with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. As Shane slipped the ring onto her finger, cheers erupted from the catamaran where their new friends had been silently watching from a distance. Champagne corks popped, and laughter filled the air as everyone on board celebrated the newly engaged couple.
How We Met
It all happened because of Marshall House! To preface this, Marshall House was a college party house in St. Paul near the University of St. Thomas. Both Shane and Amanda had mutual friends from Marshall House. One night in early 2013, Amanda and Shane were both at the Marshall House, when all of a sudden Shane sees Amanda and can't stop talking to her. And from there, sparks flew, they went on several dates, he asked her to be his girlfriend, she finished college and grad school, he went back to school, several trips and vacations around the sun, he asked her to marry him, and now here we are getting married!
Q & A
Where was your first date? Cafe Latte, the Tres Leche cake is our favorite go-to!
What is your favorite activity together? Biking, cruising, date nights
Where are you going for your honeymoon? TBD... the maldives or anywhere in the Caribbean would be lovely
What is your favorite restaurant? Does Raising Cane's count for fast food? We would always frequent there after Amanda's grad school classes at the University of St. Thomas in downtown Minneapolis. Oh, can't forget about Culver's either! But for a sophisticated restaurant, we love special occasion steak dinners at Porter House! And Bar Lurcat for Sea Bass - THE BEST!
Will you ever get a dog? Yes, eventually!
In what ways are you most alike? We both like our quiet time to relax and wind down.
In what ways do you differ? Shane LOVES watching sports, Amanda would rather being playing the sport - volleyball, running, doing a cartwheel ... anything but watching!
What is on your bucket list? More cruises and skydiving for Shane!
Who has been an inspiration in your life? Shane says Amanda