Ian and Natalie have a truly unique love story, being that they have known each other since the day they were born. Well, since the day Natalie was born at least. Seeing as their moms have been childhood friends since they were only 13 years old, Ian and Natalie have been a part of each other's lives since before they can remember. Throughout their childhood years, they shared frequent trips to the zoo, Halloweens spent trick or treating together, pool days, and many birthday parties celebrating with each other. You better believe their moms have ALL the pictures to prove it. Many years later, 2020 specifically, Natalie and Ian bonded over their mutual love of Dave Matthews Band and the Live from Home concerts he was putting on every Wednesday night during Covid. What started as weekly texts checking in on the concerts, quickly become daily conversations catching up on the many years they had missed out on in each other's lives. They found truth in the saying that 'timing is everything' and are beyond grateful to have had an invisible string tying them to each other all these years.

In July/August 2023 Natalie and Ian embarked on a magical trip to Ireland. This was a very special trip, as it was Natalie’s first time out of the country and to one of Ian's favorite places in the world, no less. They woke up early on August 1st to drive over an hour from Killarney to the quaint town of Dingle, as they had plans to sightsee along the peninsula and visit Coumeenoole Beach. As the happy couple started walking down towards the beach, the first thing Ian noticed was an “X” drawn in the sand, which was his cue from the photographer on where to stand. Natalie was insistent on walking closer to the water, as she did not see the “X” or have any idea that is where Ian was leading her. When he finally convinced her to stand in that special spot, a nervous Ian exclaimed “Wow! Look an X in the sand… I wonder how that got there.” In that moment Natalie knew what was about to happen. With a steady stream of tears flowing from her face, Ian kept Natalie grounded reminding her to take a few deep breaths. Ian shared why he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Natalie and she exclaimed the easiest yes! (Although through many, many more happy tears.) Ian forgot to put the ring on Natalie’s hand, which made for some good laughs and a wonderful way to remember one of the best days of their lives.