The gender balance of my family, both immediate and extended, skews male, so it’s with great celebration we welcome other women into it. I’d heard of Alexis for at least a year or two before I met her, and I was scared that she might lose patience with the pace of farmers when it comes to big decisions (like engagements!) before I got to know her. Luckily, she has taken to farm life, and even luckier for the rest of us, she said yes when cousin Tyler popped the question.
There are few people I ask to meet me at sunrise for photos, and so I was very excited when these two were up for an early morning down on the home front. We spent sunrise by the lake of the Little and Big Islands near Albert Lea at one of the more under-appreciated state parks in Minnesota. I knew that Tyler was devoted to this person when he willingly let his cousin (me!) hide behind branches to snap photos of him cozied up with his bride-to-be.
Throughout the planning process, it was evident that Alexis knows Tyler well. I’m excited for this partnership to become official next year, and for these two to keep growing and leaning into each others’ strengths. Alexis is a planner, an unassuming force of direction, and a smart cookie — we’re welcoming the first doctor into the family! Tyler reminds me of my own farmer father, always with a glimmer of mirth in his eye and a quiet but steady love that shows up through acts of service…and the occasional stubborn opinion. :) They balance each other well, and I know they’ll maintain their respective independence even as they deepen their relationship.
Alexis and Tyler, thank you so much for this gorgeous morning. I can’t wait to cheers you in 2023!
