we're getting married!

August 2024, St. Mary’s Ryken cafeteria. Austin, the new teacher and wrestling coach, was sitting in the corner watching wrestling on his phone (classic Kraisser). Emma, a second-year campus minister, spotted him. She swears she sat down because “he looked lonely,” though it helped that she thought he was cute. Emma walked over to the only antisocial person in the cafeteria and started giving him tips on surviving as a coach at St. Mary’s Ryken. She tried to get any information out of the new teacher, managed a few words, and quickly realized he wanted to be alone. She thanked him and left. Austin, meanwhile, was already looking for his next chance to see her. That chance came at the Development department’s open house. Emma feared another awkward interaction, while Austin hoped for the opposite. She spotted him across the room and walked over, said hi, and offered cookies. Austin accepted. Emma grabbed one, shoved it into his hand, and fled. Austin stood there holding a cookie, grinning like an idiot. He eventually worked up the nerve to text her: “Any chance I can repay that cookie with dinner?” Emma didn't answer his text for an impressively long time (she insists she was “playing it cool”). She finally replied, “Yes.” They went to dinner a few times, and neither of them has left the other alone since.

One Saturday in November, Emma thought she was grabbing lunch with Austin, his brother Jason, and a few friends at the Naval Academy after wrestling practice. Austin—Jason riding shotgun, ring hidden in his bag—had a different plan. They arrived early to explore campus, including a stop Austin insisted on making at the Naval Academy Chapel. A “closed for event” sign was posted, but Austin casually mentioned he’d called ahead. Emma thought nothing of it, focused on nerves about meeting his friends. After walking around, Jason led them downstairs to a smaller chapel. As soon as they stepped inside, Austin dropped to one knee and asked Emma to marry him. She was completely blindsided—an immediate yes, no hesitation. God placed every piece perfectly, and we’re grateful every day. Now we’re getting married!