It all began in December 2019 at a Chicago bar called Benchmark. Thomas offered to buy Kathryn a drink, they exchanged numbers, and a few days later, shared their first date. Just as they started getting to know each other, the world shut down. Kathryn moved home to St. Louis during the pandemic, and life took them in different directions, but they stayed in touch as friends. Two years later, fate — and Thomas’ impeccable timing — stepped in. Thomas invited Kathryn to be his plus-one to a wedding in Denver, and that weekend reignited something special, kickstarting their long-distance relationship. In May 2023, Kathryn moved back to Chicago, and Thomas’ “professionally persistent” pursuit (as he claims) had finally paid off. Since then, the two have shared countless memories, morning coffee walks, lots of laughter, travels, and many shared meals from their Chicago restaurant list. Then, on May 15, 2025, during a trip to Carmel, California, Thomas got down on one knee, marking the beginning of their next chapter. Each of you have played an important role in their journey and they are so grateful and excited to celebrate the start of their marriage surrounded by all their family and friends in September!