Karlene & Ethan met at the Purdue Animal Science Research Farm in 2022. Ethan first heard about “this girl” who had just started working at the farm, and was told he needed to meet her because she could drive a tractor, had her CDL, and loved agriculture. That was all it took.

Purdue farmers and Harry’s beginnings

The first time they officially crossed paths, one of their coworkers had to shuttle everyone back to the farm after a long day hauling silage wagons. At the time, Karlene thought Ethan was at least 30 years old and completely out of her league. A few weeks later, they found themselves working together again, spending days passing each other back and forth hauling silage to the dairy farm.

Then one afternoon, Ethan was in the tractor ahead of Karlene waiting to unload, Ethan got out of his tractor, and threw her door open to properly introduce himself and ask her out to Harry’s with his friends that night—and, of course, for her Snapchat. Karlene didn’t know what to think of this guy being so bold that he bombarded her in her tractor. She told him “maybe.”

That night, they started talking on Snapchat and getting to know each other, and that’s when Karlene discovered Ethan had actually just turned 21 the week before. The day of their first date, Ethan stopped Karlene as she was leaving the farm to make sure she was actually coming. She said yes and gathered a couple friends to join the Harry’s outing with Ethan and his friends.

A Christmas Engagement

Around Christmas time 2025, Ethan casually began planting the seed about going back to Texas Roadhouse. Karlene had been traveling for work and they finally had one free night together, so off they went. Karlene didn’t think anything of it as they head up to Texas Roadhouse often.

After dinner, Ethan suggested they drive by Harry’s and maybe grab a drink. On the way to West Lafayette, he made a detour and asked if she wanted to walk the bridge “like we used to.” As they walked down the lit bridge, Ethan pointed out a large group coming toward them. As the group got closer, Karlene began recognizing familiar faces…her family and his. In the midst of her shock, Ethan got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes!

Stay tuned for Karlene and Ethan’s September 2026 Wedding!!

There upcoming wedding in Rochester, Indiana, is going to be such a perfect celebration of the love these two share. They have chosen LVP Studios to document their special day with photo and video! We know that they are counting the days that they can finally be married and throw the party of a lifetime!

Congratulations to the soon to be Mr. and Mrs! We hope you love their love story and photos.