I used to tell all my friends they’d never meet their husbands at The Harp—a bar where we spent countless nights out in downtown Milwaukee. Ironically, that’s exactly where I met mine. I had no plans to go out on Friday, September 23rd. I was in pajamas, fully committed to a cozy night in after devouring a very large McDonald’s meal (we’re talking over $15 large). But then my best friend Jade pulled the classic “It’s my birthday weekend—you have to come out.” And when your best friend plays the birthday card, you don’t really have a choice. So, I put on a skirt, rallied, and made my way to The Harp. Soon after I arrived, I ran into a friend from my apartment building who asked if I was seeing anyone. “Nope,” I said, “and planning to keep it that way.” She asked again. And again. And again. On the fourth try, I finally gave in: “Okay, let’s meet this guy!” Little did I know it was actually a different guy each time—and I just happened to say yes to meeting Kendall. What started as a simple conversation over drinks turned into the beginning of everything. Kendall was incredibly sweet (and very quiet lol). I actually didn’t think he was interested in me at all—especially after I talked his ear off for over an hour. What I thought would be just another night out turned into the night I met the love of my life. When you meet the right person, everything just makes sense. Kendall made his way straight into my heart, and he’s been my home ever since. I can’t wait to spend forever with him—as Mrs. Kendall Lisiecki.

On the night of Friday, September 23, 2022, I made the decision to congregate at the Harp Irish Pub, a local tavern in downtown Milwaukee. Not really looking to stay out super late due to a wedding I was attending the following day, I happened to run into a teammate from my summer kickball squad who wanted to introduce me to her friend. I figured “why not?” and, less than a minute later, over walked Ashley. From the jump, I immediately realized this girl was special—she was obviously beautiful, but she was also funny, charming and easy-going. My original plan to call it an early night was immediately derailed, and we ended up talking until the lights came on. While I was definitely interested in learning more about Ashley, she didn’t seem highly interested in dating and I thought my chances were done as soon as she said “I’m going to head to the bathroom before the bar closes,” figuring she’d covertly duck out the front door never to be seen again. I later learned she did in fact think about pulling an “Irish Exit”, but for some reason, she came back to say goodbye. As we walked out the door and started parting ways, my friend who stuck around to witness this all (shoutout Shawn) asked if I got her number. Foolishly, I did not, and he noted that I was an “idiot” for not asking for it. With Ashley halfway across a busy intersection, I made the dash to her and asked for her number. She reluctantly agreed and for that, I’m forever grateful. On that walk home, I had no idea what was to come of the next few years, but boy am I sure glad she didn’t give me a fake number.