Christian was new to DFW, having just moved from Maryland after graduating from college. He made friends at St. Benedict's and was invited to a party, which doubled as a private classical concert, for young adults. That was when he first met Katie, quiet but composed. Christian was very impressed, but wouldn't see her again for over a year. Katie was helping host at the same party for friends. While she was still preparing in the kitchen, Christian walked in. She thought to herself, "Oh, he is cute", but—after a little conversation with him—thought he was full of himself and lost interest... for the time. Fast forward to the winter of 2023. Christian and Katie both attended a Shroud of Turin talk in Dallas where Katie's mom introduced her. Remembering her as the cute girl with glasses from the concert, it was the first time Christian thought about asking her out. However, seeing her at the 8am Mass the following Sunday, Christian noticed a ring on her left hand and assumed she was engaged or married (it was, in fact, a Marian consecration ring). Eventually, he figured it out after not seeing her at Church with anyone. A few months passed, and Katie was wondering where Christian had been. They spotted each other at the Easter parish picnic and shared lunch. Finally, Christian asked her out.

It was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Christian took Katie on a picnic at the lake, a regular date for them. But this time was different. Christian had her sister sneak the notebook out of her picnic basket, which he filled with drawings, poems, and other cute things. Katie discovered the notebook during the picnic and, at the end, found a St. Gemma holy card. Christian told her the reason he put the card in the notebook was because something weird happened to his St. Gemma relic. He handed her the relic, and when she unwrapped it, she discovered the ring inside. Christian got down on one knee and asked Katie to marry him. Obviously, she said yes. :) The day concluded with Mass and dinner to celebrate.