It all started in the most unexpected of places—Albany, NY. Kadi, a hometown girl who’d never strayed far, and Carlos, a world-traveling soccer player from Hamburg, Germany, just happened to cross paths at the University at Albany. She played lacrosse, he was the goalkeeper for the men's soccer team, and fate (with a little help from mutual friends) brought them together. Their first date? Scoops in Latham—because Kadi loves ice cream, and Carlos, even though it's not his favorite, just wanted to see her smile. From that sweet first date, their love has only grown deeper. Over the years, they weathered long-distance love across continents and time zones—Carlos back in Germany and later in St. Louis for his final year of soccer and grad school, while Kadi stayed in Albany finishing her own Master's and playing her final season of lacrosse. It wasn’t always easy, but it shaped the strong, steady bond they have today. In August 2024, Kadi made the big move to St. Louis. Now, they share a cozy apartment filled with laughter, their friends, and too much stuff (as Carlos would say). Carlos is a coach for the SLU Men’s Soccer team, and Kadi teaches 3rd grade in the Brentwood School District. They’ve built a life full of joy, adventure, and community—complete with trips to Germany, Denver, Boston, Chicago, and a St. Louis friend group that truly feels like family. They’re beyond excited to celebrate their next chapter with all of you on May 16th—a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!