03.28.26

Our story began in the fall of 2019 at Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minnesota. We quickly bonded over our eagerness to pursue our faith, a love for political science, and a shared disdain for our 8am political theory classes. What started as group projects and desperate attempts to understand something called “Political Quest” (still a mystery) turned into late-night cramming and Davanni’s pizza-fueled hangouts. Then one night, Abi invited Tommy to Old Chicago for some late-night jalapeno poppers, and over that first causal date, a shared love of food filled adventures sparked something special. Sunday became our rhythm: coffee, church, and Tommy patiently outlining class readings so Abi could survive her overachiever-level credit load. Somewhere along the way, football was on in the background . . . then basketball, hockey . . . and then the NFL draft. Tommy began gently (and endlessly) explaining sports to Abi - who now proudly knows what a third down is and can name one quarterback not named Tom Brady. On January 1, 2020, Tommy asked Abi to be his girlfriend. She said yes, and the rest is (adorable) history. Then the pandemic hit, and our one-minute commute across the dorms became two-hour drives between Edina and Cloquet. But love, Spotify playlists, and true-crime podcasts kept us going. We spent the next few years falling in love over cooking nights at home, grocery store trips, traveling to visit our siblings, lake walks, city walks. . . so many walks, and navigating through "what even is adulthood" moments. Our families got to know each other, we graduated from Bethel, and Tommy took on downtown Minneapolis while Abi tackled law school—powered by ambition, iced coffee, unwavering support from Tommy, and of course snacks. Then on November 9, 2024, on a cloudy but beautiful day with the Minneapolis skyline in view, Tommy proposed at Boom Island Park with the blessings of both families and a cheering section of our favorite people. Abi undoubtedly said yes, (and not just because he promised to always share his fries). Now, we’re ready to start the next chapter—with each other, with God at the center, and with all of you by our sides. We can’t wait to celebrate our forever anniversary with tacos, dancing, and probably a pizza or two.