Kristen and Jim met during their Senior year at Notre Dame. Kristen had returned to campus after studying abroad in Rome, and through one of her roommates in Italy (Emmy) she was introduced to Jim at Finni's. The first night they met was uneventful, but they met again at Finni's a few months later. Although Jim did not recognize Kristen the second night as she had dyed her hair brown, she agreed to continue talking to him despite this small oversight. They shared drinks, laughs, and tore up the dance floor with dips and twirls. It was after this night that Jim knew Kristen was special, but it took a couple more years for the couple to actually start dating. While living in Chicago after graduation, Kristen was studying for her Master's and Jim was working in consulting. The two lived 11 minutes away from each other and regularly met up for Trivia nights at the local bar, brunches, Friendsgiving, and the like. Kristen should be admired for her patience in taking her time to get to know Jim before officially dating him, while Jim's persistence is also noteworthy. After they started dating, much to the surprise of their friends, they enjoyed trips to St. Louis, Dallas, New York, and San Antonio to visit Kristen's family, trips to the lake, bunches of ND Football games, weddings, and nights with friends. We would be remiss to leave out the unsung hero of Jim's persistence, Gipper! Without Gipper's presence Kristen may not have hung out with Jim as often and their love may not have blossomed into what it is today. Gipper has enjoyed many of Jim and Kristen's dates and trips, and even played a critical role in the proposal! Many fond memories of Kristen and Jim's courtship include their beloved pup, and she's wagging her tail in anticipation of the big day!

Jim, Kristen, and Gipper went on a long walk in the early afternoon down to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It was a beautiful winter day (albeit a little chilly) and they headed for a bridge in the park overlooking downtown. Just as the snow started to fall heavily (like really heavily), Jim got down on one knee, and opened his own hand-made ring box to ask Kristen for her hand in marriage. Gipper had a sign on her collar with the words, "Will you marry us?" emblazoned upon it, and Kristen smiled from ear to year and said "Yes!" They scampered out of the blizzard to call friends and family before heading back to Jim's apartment where a surprise gathering of friends were waiting to celebrate with them!