Our story first began back in 2013, when we met at Providence Catholic High School and quickly became friends. Life pulled us in different directions after graduation, and for years we only kept up with each other through the small windows of social media. Then, in 2024, everything changed with one unexpected Instagram message. Out of the blue, Eric reached out to ask how I’d been...and to see if I’d like to go out for a drink. Shocked but pleasantly surprised, I said yes… only to later decide that life as a working mom was just too busy at the time, and I ended up turning the date down. Eric was kind and understanding, acknowledging how busy things were for both of us. But understanding didn’t mean accepting. Over the following weeks, he found little ways to stay connected; sending funny videos, sharing stories from work, and checking in just enough to keep the conversation warm. About six weeks later, he asked again, this time suggesting a playdate so the kids could meet too. How could I say no to meeting that cute little red head I've seen in his photos? The moment I arrived, I knew in my heart that this felt right. It felt natural, easy, as if no time had passed at all. We picked up right where we left off 11 years ago. Since that playdate, life has been full of adventure, growth, laughter, and the kind of love that just feels like home. Blending our families has been the most meaningful journey, and watching our kids form their own bond has made it even sweeter. Looking back, there were so many little moments that can only be attributed to fate. Back in 2013, we ended up in the same prom group (not on each other’s arms), but this led to Eric coming up to my lake house for the after-prom party; which is the same lake house where we now spend our summers with the kids. Around the same time, Eric invited me to go to a White Sox game with the Wojciechowskis which meant that I got to meet many of his family members years before we even started dating. Looking back, it’s clear that God was weaving all those seemingly small moments into the beginnings of something beautiful. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with the people who have supported us, cheered for us, and loved us throughout every version of our story.