Hometown: Rochester, MN
Current profession: Web designer for EXHIBITOR Magazine
My dream profession: Being a full-time novel writer.
Hobbies: Writing, reading, computer tinkering, skiing, Ultimate Frisbee, backpacking, singing, collecting Lake Superior agates.
Favorite things to read: The New York Times, The North American Review, comedy writing, biographies, science fiction.
Lately I've read: Dress Your Family in Courdoroy and Denim, David Sedaris, The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Gregory Maguire.
Favorite color: Cobalt blue
On Ruth: Ruth really grounds me. I have some crazy ideas sometimes and she sort of brings me back to earth so I can actually accomplish something. I love how outgoing she is and how clear her perspective is on life. She's not one to quit and she's stubborn, just like me.

Hometown: Fridley, MN
Current profession: Substitute teacher, Great Harvest Bread Co. consultant
My dream profession: Elementary Teacher
Hobbies: Travel, camping, skiing, reading, hiking, scrapbooking, being outdoors, playing games.
Favorite things to read: Historical fiction, romance, religious fiction.
Lately I've read: A lot of bridal mags.
Favorite place to visit: Duluth, Minn.; Christchurch, New Zealand
Favorite color: Dark purple
On Nate: Nate and I even life out. When I'm tired, he supplies the energy, when I'm boring, he comes up with something more exciting to do. He can always lift me when I'm down. I love how realistic he can be sometimes. He really brings me back to reality. He's always reminding me that I could never ask for a better life. He is my special gift from God.

 
How We Met
We are definitely a Wartburg-joined couple. There's a saying at Wartburg, 'Don't drink the water!' Well, we did and began dating in the fall of junior year.

Our relationship has blossomed and had its challenges... such as our love for travel (Ruth was in Australia for 5 months and Europe for 1). Our hope is to do some travelling together in a few years, possibly teaching in a foreign country or Alaska (which is almost a foreign country up there!). Neither of us remember when we met, but it was definitely through mutual friends freshman year.


The Engagement
Let's just say concealing a ring box from Ruthie for an entire Saturday romping across Chicago is a challenge. We had a busy day including lunch at Harry Caray's, a mistaken free trolley tour, Chicago pizza and an outdoor symphony/chorale in Millenium Park. We decided to end the day with a speedboat tour including a beautiful view of the Navy Pier fireworks. As the colors exploded across the night sky, Nate popped the question and, wouldn't you know it, she said yes. We don't have very much money right now and we had even less then, so she wasn't expecting a ring. But, the first paycheck came just in time to buy the ring from Mr. Milton Roth. The oos and ahhs heard on the boat felt like they were for us, but we don't think anyone knew what happened! They were all looking up at hundreds of colorful explosions.
Special Comments
We hope to see each one of you at our wedding. Know that you have made a wonderful difference in our lives. You have helped to shape and mold us into who we have become. Thank you for that. We love you all! Please come join us in the celebration of the beginning of our marriage.
nateandruth.com