Dear Family and Friends, We are thrilled to share the story of how our paths crossed and led us to this wonderful moment of celebrating our love and commitment to one another. It all began in the digital age of love, on a charming little dating app known as Coffee Meets Bagel. I'm Dylan, and she's Kat. It was Kat who made the first move on that fateful day, April 26, 2021. Her message ignited a spark, a virtual connection that would soon become something far more profound. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and as we got to know each other through messages, it became apparent that there was something special blossoming between us. Just six days after that initial message, on May 2nd, 2021, we decided it was time to meet face-to-face. Our first date was a beautiful blend of shared experiences and the start of something magical. We enjoyed a delightful lunch at the Triangle Restaurant, where laughter and conversation flowed as smoothly as the cuisine. After lunch, we embarked on an adventure together, taking a scenic walk through the Savannah Forest Preserve. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature, we continued to discover common interests, dreams, and the undeniable connection that had drawn us together. As we walked beneath the canopy of trees, it felt as though time stood still. We shared stories, dreams, and visions of our future. It was a moment when we both realized that this was more than just a date – it was the beginning of a beautiful love story. From that day forward, our journey together has been filled with laughter, support, and a growing love that we can't wait to share with all of you. We've built a foundation of trust, respect, and a deep understanding of one another, and we can't wait to take the next step in this incredible adventure together. Thank you for being a part of our lives and joining us on this joyous occasion as we become partners for life. We look forward to celebrating with you on our wedding day, surrounded by the love and support of our cherished friends and family. With love and gratitude, Dylan & Kat

Before the Proposal: For quite some time, I had known that Kat was the love of my life. On June 30th, 2023, I couldn't contain my excitement any longer and shared my intention to marry Kat with my parents. This momentous announcement came after we celebrated our 2-year anniversary with a romantic trip to the Wisconsin Dells on June 12th. To make it even more special, I had my parents create a heart-shaped display of flowers and candles to surprise Kat when we returned home. While my dad thought I proposed in that moment, my mom believed I would share my plans with them before popping the question. So, when I finally did reveal my proposal plans, their excitement was immeasurable! A couple of weeks later, I embarked on another significant step by driving over to Kat's parents' house to ask for their blessing and permission to marry Kat. I brought along a bouquet of red roses, knowing Kat's mother, Gina, adored them. To my joy and relief, both of them were brimming with profound emotion and affection, and they wholeheartedly approved, providing their blessing for our marriage. The Day of the Proposal: I had something truly extraordinary in mind for the proposal – a secret surprise that would involve both of our families. The stage was set at my parents' pier by the tranquil lake, a place we both cherished for watching sunsets together. The pier itself was adorned with roses in red, yellow, and pink, cleverly slotted between the planks to create the illusion of floating flowers on the water. An hour before our planned arrival, both of our families gathered at my parents' house, ensuring that everyone was comfortably settled and ready to capture the moment. We were especially grateful to Kat's brother-in-law, Gian, who had been discreetly assigned the responsibility of capturing every moment through his lens. Earlier in the day, a delightful twist occurred when Kat invited her sister, Camille, to join our game night, which cleverly served as the cover for my secret proposal. Camille, who was already in on the plan, seized this opportunity to ensure that Kat looked absolutely stunning for this momentous occasion. My goal was to ensure Kat didn't end up in sweatpants or casual summer attire on such a significant day. As we approached my parents' house, I asked Kat to close her eyes, igniting her curiosity and wonder. Trusting me completely, she agreed to the surprise. Hand in hand, Kat and I walked slowly toward the backyard and eventually the pier. Unbeknownst to Kat, our families followed us in silence, cameras at the ready, poised to capture every precious moment. As we reached the backyard, the entire family stood there, their excitement palpable in the hushed atmosphere. In a soft, whispered tone, I conveyed heartfelt words of love and the depth of my feelings to Kat. Little did she know, Gian was positioned on a nearby pier, skillfully capturing every fleeting moment. We reached the end of the pier, where I encouraged Kat to open her eyes. Kat turned her head and was stunned to see our families standing nearby. Positioned before her, I dropped to one knee, professing my love and devotion. Her eyes widened in awe as she absorbed the magnitude of the moment, and with bated breath, I asked, "Will you marry me?" A pause, a beat of our hearts, and then the most beautiful word: YES. Our kiss sealed the promise, and our families erupted into cheers. My dad even added an unexpected blast with an air horn. I slipped a beautiful diamond ring onto Kat's finger, and together, we took countless photographs, celebrating with our loved ones throughout the night. We danced, sang karaoke, played pool, and shared laughter, making it a celebration we would never forget. And so, our journey to forever began on that picturesque pier, surrounded by love, family, and a lifetime of beautiful memories. We can't wait to share our special day with you, and we hope you'll be there to witness the start of our happily ever after!