We're Getting Married!

Daren and Katerina met in college at the University of Notre Dame, just three months before Katerina left to study abroad in South Africa for six months. In those early days of their relationship, they stayed connected through countless texts, Snapchats, and FaceTime calls. When Katerina returned, they shared a magical summer together in Chicago before she began her junior year at Saint Mary’s College and Daren started his senior year at Notre Dame. The year was filled with adventures between campuses and the joy of college life. Then, everything changed during Spring Break when COVID-19 hit, suddenly separating them. But even a global pandemic couldn’t slow the love that was growing between them. They kept their bond strong through long-distance calls and daily FaceTimes over the summer and into Katerina’s senior year. In the midst of uncertainty, they celebrated every win together—from Daren landing a job at PwC to Katerina being accepted into the University of Pennsylvania. They continued their long-distance journey, this time from Chicago to Philadelphia, until Daren eventually made the move to Philly to be with the one he loved. After Katerina earned her Master’s in Social Work, the couple returned to Chicago to be closer to family. They enjoyed a year of shorter-distance love before moving in together in Des Plaines to begin a new chapter. One morning, Katerina woke Daren up with exciting news: she had submitted an application to adopt a dog from a local rescue. Daren was so thrilled that he had to watch Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie just to calm down. While the movie didn’t quite hold Katerina’s attention, she scrolled through the rescue’s available pups—and one immediately caught her eye. When they arrived at the shelter, Katerina knew exactly which dog she wanted to meet: a timid, wide-eyed girl formerly named Spotted Cow. The moment they entered the room, the dog ran straight to Daren—and in that instant, they both knew she was the one who would complete their little family. Now renamed Millie, she’s grown into a confident, sassy girl thanks to the love and care she receives. Millie is a reflection of everything Daren and Katerina have built together—the strength of their love, their faith, and their shared joy. They’re beyond excited to celebrate their most special day surrounded by the family and friends who have supported them through it all. Love, Katerina, Daren and Millie