We met over a few margaritas (naturally) at Barcocina in Chicago. While getting to know each other, Brittany suggested a Lord of the Rings themed pop-up bar next door, where we hung out until closing time and shared our Middle Earth acumen. We hit it off instantly before the COVID pandemic shut everything down a few weeks later. Unwilling to let that come between us, Tom still braved the eerily empty streets of Chicago to pick up Brittany and share several home-cooked dinner dates. We quickly learned we were meant for each other!

We flew down to Myrtle Beach in late August to celebrate Brittany and her mom's birthdays. Early one morning, Tom invited Brittany for a walk on the beach, where he proposed as the sun rose over the Atlantic. Afterward, we broke the news and continued the festivities with family!