Hi we are getting married!

Calvin and Natalie met in a painting class at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 2009. Before they met, they'd secretly admired each other's weekly self-portraits hanging in the hallway - Natalie drawn to Calvin's gap-toothed grin and raw emotion, Calvin captivated by Natalie's precise linework. She was the psychedelic Barbie, he was the punk kid, but beneath their different exteriors, they shared a deep love of art and discovered they were both born on January 1st, 1989. As part of an experimental major, they spent countless hours in studios with Natalie's best friend Molly, designing their own curriculum across sculpture, painting, film, and drawing. For 15 years, they remained best friends while pursuing other relationships. They collaborated on artwork, sharing studio spaces and creative visions. Natalie was the first to buy one of Calvin's paintings - a piece depicting two robins that she still treasures today. They helped each other through life's transitions: Natalie gave Calvin her old apartment when he needed to move out of his parents' house, and Calvin helped build canvases for her shows. Their friendship deepened during a magical road trip to Columbus, Ohio, installing Natalie's art show with her friend Claire. At sunset the last day Calvin first told Natalie he loved her. Life separated them in 2015 when Calvin moved to Arizona while Natalie explored spirituality and traveled the world. Though they only saw each other briefly over the next decade their connection remained strong. When Natalie moved to London in 2019 and needed help with her business, she hired Calvin, who worked two years, providing stability during difficult times for them both. Everything shifted during a 2022 visit when Natalie's LA to Phoenix road trip exploring architecture turned into an unexpected two-day adventure after her flight was canceled due to snow. As they explored Native American ruins together, something changed. Natalie saw the beautiful life Calvin had built and wanted to be part of it, while Calvin realized his love for his special friend from Milwaukee had never faded. After that visit, Natalie found herself dreaming of simple moments with Calvin - having breakfast, driving through the American Southwest.

n 2023, both newly single, they began talking daily across continents. What started as a trade - Calvin teaching Natalie about time consciousness while she taught him about joy - evolved into deep sharing of books, stories, and honest conversations about their lives. One night, Natalie nervously confessed her crush on the tube ride home, only to have Calvin reveal he'd been in love with her for years, remembering the exact moment when a stranger mistakenly called her his wife. Their first official date in Dublin at Easter faced challenges - Natalie developed severe rheumatoid arthritis, landing her in an Irish ER, while Calvin's flight was cancelled. Yet Calvin cared for her without hesitation, helping her put on shoes when her hands wouldn't work. They explored Francis Bacon's studio, Irish archaeology, and shared 0.0% Guinnesses. A week after returning home, Calvin knew he wanted to marry her.

In 2024, Calvin sold his house and moved to London to test living together with Natalie and her best friend Laura. They explored Croatia, Crete, Athens, Rome, Scotland, and Paris - sharing their love of ancient places and listening to punk music in art galleries. During the Paris Olympics, they proposed to each other on the Eiffel Tower after touring the city in a vintage convertible. True to their commitment to open communication, they approached the proposal as a discussion about marriage rather than a surprise- though they did surprise each other by choosing similar turquoise and silver rings. Their love story took the scenic route, but now they will be living together... wherever that is. They're building a relationship that allows their souls to be free, making conscious decisions for their shared future together.