we're getting married!

Our story began in August 2016 during our first floor meeting in the University of Maryland's Denton Hall, where we found ourselves assigned as next-door neighbors during our freshman year. Our first year was filled with newfound friendship—dining hall meals, walks to class, and late-night study sessions in the McKeldin Library—as we got to know each other as classmates and friends. By sophomore year, our casual friendship had evolved, and those shared walls from freshman year became the foundation of our relationship. Now, years after that first chance encounter during move-in day, we're getting married—proving that sometimes the best relationships start with an unexpected hello at a floor meeting.

Our story continued over dinner at Milkboy Arthouse in College Park, Maryland—what we now call our first date. From there, we shared countless adventures, starting with a holiday trip to New York City. As proud Terps, we cheered at every home basketball game and even won a intramural flag football championship in Maryland Stadium. Our love grew over shared meals at our favorite spots, Nando's and Marathon Deli, where so many late nights ended with laughter and good food. The highlight of our college years was studying abroad in Barcelona, where we immersed ourselves in Spanish culture and explored Europe. While we traveled with friends, our solo trips to Greece and Italy hold a special place in our hearts. Though COVID cut our time short, it couldn’t dim our love or sense of adventure. From championship games to passport stamps, those years built the foundation of a life we were excited to continue together.

After college, we began a new chapter in Florida, starting our first careers—Alex as a mortgage lender and Katie as a sales manager in the wine industry. Our time in Fort Lauderdale has been filled with exploring the city’s vibrant food scene, lively nightlife, and sunny adventures like boat outings, beach days, and rounds of golf. We have stayed active with intramural sports, made new friends, and created lasting memories at local concerts and sporting events, especially the annual country music festival on the beach, Tortuga. We also became frequent flyers to visit family and friends, but the most special moment was rescuing our sweet Bentley, who has brought so much joy to our lives with training sessions, dog park visits, and her blossoming personality. These years have been about growth, adventure, and building a life full of love and sunshine.

On August 17th, 2024, what Katie thought was a surprise birthday trip turned into the beginning of forever. Alex revealed we were heading to the Florida Keys, where we spent the day relaxing on the beach before getting ready for dinner. Alex secretly met with his mom while taking Bentley on a "walk", saw the ring for the first time, and hid it in his sock before we walked to a stunning waterfront pergola decorated with candles, photos, and a sign that read, “It was always you.” As the sunset painted the sky, Alex got down on one knee, and though the moment was a blur, the love and joy were unforgettable. Minutes later, our families arrived to celebrate with champagne and a beautiful dinner, making it not just a 26th birthday for Katie, but the start of a lifetime together.

We’ve chosen to tie the knot overlooking the rolling hills of Virginia, a setting that perfectly combines breathtaking views with our family ties to the Shenandoah Valley. This picturesque location captures everything we dreamed of for our wedding day. August holds a special place in our hearts, marking major milestones in our relationship, as well as Katie and Bentley’s birthdays. It only felt right to continue the tradition by celebrating our wedding in this meaningful month. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable day with all of you! 2 + 0 + 2 + 5 = 9