In today's technology driven world, it's not a surprise that our introduction came with the help of a good old fashioned mobile app. This app, named Coffee Meets Bagel, helped us connect based on our preferences and location (this was obviously coupled with the stars aligning, our astrological signs perfectly complimenting each other, so on and so forth...). Marc made a joke about tequila, pizza, and dogs, and the proverbial train had left the station. After some stellar conversation, we decided to ditch the digital chat and meet in person. Our first date was at a local cocktail bar named Barrelhouse Flat (now closed; not a bad omen. Definitely not). The rest is history! Spoiler: tequila, pizza, and dogs are still very much a big part of our lives.

A year and a half into dating, we decided that it was time to 1) move in together and 2) add a furry friend to the mix. On the 3rd of July, 2018, Andy Prasse officially joined the crew. The pup of a sweet Kentucky stray mom named Georgia, Andy stole our hearts the moment we met him and his 12 brothers and sisters. He was the biggest of the litter, but also the most cuddly. Those two things still hold true, and his personality has developed and continues to shine through as the 75 lb. lap dog that has never met a treat that he didn't like. Long story short, he's a very good boy and we're thrilled to be his dad and mom.

On the last weekend of September 2019, Marc and Kelsey ventured East to visit with her family in Pittsburgh. With the belated 1st birthday of Kelsey's first niece, Izzy, to celebrate, everything seemed to be completely normal in western PA that Saturday morning. However, Marc had a trick up his sleeve (actually in the back left pocket). Disguised as a tourist trip to Pittsburgh's Point State Park on the famous three rivers, Marc used the photo opp. looking back at the skyline and fountain as a chance to get down on one knee and pop the question. Luckily (and shockingly for Marc), Kelsey was completely surprised and (totally not a shock) overcome with tears. She was suspecting a proposal on the planned trip to Greece three weeks later, but Marc was able to use one of the oldest tricks in the book; the ole' Bait and Switch.

For as long as he can remember, Marc has always had an odd tie to the number 17. He was born on 1/17 at 5:17 PM (that's 17:17 in military time...). The number pops up all of the time in everyday life and Kelsey is now also convinced that something is going on. Add this to the fact that we knew we liked an October wedding, 10/17 only felt right. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, 10/17 was NOT the right date (thanks COVID!) and 9/4/2020 ended up being our official wedding ceremony. Add up those digits, though... Ok sorry, I’m almost done. While 9/4/2021 doesn’t add up to 17, we’re still looking forward to celebrating our one year anniversary and wedding reception on that date with all of you!