Some may be familiar with the first time we saw each other on a dreary Duluth weekend in late April, 2019. Brandon made a trip to visit long-time friends and out of happenstance, Ben McBroom mentioned to Brandon that he should meet Kate, who he knew through his college classes. Brandon and friends went to a house party where Kate would be anxiously trying to complete her lab homework. With a few grins and looks exchanged, the boys transitioned outside to the bonfire while Kate remained studious. Later that night, we met at an even louder function called The Sports Garden and we actually talked with each other as Kate made the effort to seek Brandon out. As chaos and noise prevented a deeper conversation, we went our separate ways that night with Kate focused on finishing her school year as Brandon was a month away from enlisting in the National Guard. In June 2019 we were reintroduced again by, Ben, yes he gets more credit here… A “blind date” with him and his now wife Kathryn. “Hey Brandon, do you want to meet Kate again?” Remembering her, there was no reason to say no. The four of us ate and played board games for a few hours. Brandon had been rusty with his dating game which prompted an underwhelming dress code on his part. Ask Kate about it some time, it’s a compelling and rich story. Luckily, that didn’t prevent the spark from generating. We both noticed an ease in being with one another even for the first time in a small group. As we exchanged numbers that night, we began hanging out and grew to get along with speed. The momentum carried and compounded. Despite both of us knowing that Brandon would be going to train for a combined 6 months, we decided to stay together. Doing as much as we could together for the accelerated summer laid a foundation for something to last long. Kate was there for all graduations and formal events including Brandon’s commissioning. Brandon realized that she was the one that he didn’t think he would find as he pursued a career that is strenuous on relationships. She was and is the loyal partner that people talk about when discussing the idea of finding the right person. By the time of our marriage, we will have been together almost 7 years. The better part of our 20s, which has provided for fun, sacrifice and growth, all in a non-linear fashion. We’re honored to host you on our wedding day and can’t say enough to acknowledge your support.