Our story began in high school when Dino transferred into our district during our freshman year. Even after he switched schools, we stayed close as friends. After months of talking every day, we eventually moved into that “talking” phase (you know the one!) and officially started dating in November 2015. From cheering at football games to making lifelong friends, we spent the rest of high school falling in love. After graduation, Dino went on to play football at St. Ambrose University while I continued my education near home. I visited him every weekend, built wonderful friendships, and eventually transferred to be closer to him. We grew together through college and celebrated so many milestones before starting our careers as a custom home builder and a first grade teacher. We celebrated our nine-year anniversary just before Dino proposed in December 2024, one of the most special days of my life. The proposal was beyond anything I could have imagined. With the help of his sister, Dino planned the most thoughtful surprise. After finally convincing him to go to Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights in Chicago (all part of the plan), he got down on one knee inside a giant snow globe of lights. Surrounded by friends and family, I was completely in shock but I said yes, of course! Over the past decade, we’ve shared so many unforgettable moments both challenging and joyful such as Friday night lights, college adventures, new jobs, travels, and falling more in love each day. Each season of life has brought us closer, and now we can’t wait to begin our greatest adventure yet as husband and wife, surrounded by the people we love most.