We're getting married!

Using dating apps can feel defeating.. but there is always the hope of finding your diamond in the rough! Andrew and I matched on Hinge. We started messaging each other and shortly after that, I knew I wanted us to meet for a date. So I informed him (nicely) to hurry up and ask me out! We picked sushi for our first date and I suggested my favorite restaurant. Unfortunately, it had just permanently closed! We adjusted on the fly and went to another local sushi spot. Andrew was a gentleman and we immediately clicked. There was no awkward moments. It felt like it was meant to be. On the way home I called my best friends and told them it was the BEST first date I had ever been on (and luckily it was my last first date). We soon found ourselves spending as much of our free time together as possible. We learned our mothers' families grew up in the same neighborhood and our grandparents went to the same Catholic Church in Bucktown and they all knew each other. The Invisible String Theory is what I am reminded of when I think of our relationship. There has always been an unseen, unbreakable thread connecting us together, regardless of time, distance, or circumstances. God had a plan for Andrew and I to meet at the right time He designed. We are so excited for our forever together and cannot wait to see what God has in store for us!

Yes, we met online and I was nervous when she said to meet her at an already closed sushi restaurant. I thought she was standing me up… But then she had another sushi restaurant on deck ready to go. We sat down and talked for about an hour before we ordered. It ended with a simple peck on the cheek because I got nervous. We then went on five more great dates. Each date was better than the last, but then my sister passed away. Maddie thought she was doing the right thing by saying we could just be friends and I agreed. Four days later I called and very shortly told her that I did not want to be her friend and hung up on her. However, during our five dates I knew that this relationship was something special. I had ordered Garth Brooks concert tickets for September 2nd, 2023. We had not talked for about a month, but my buddy (now groomsman) advised me I should go for it and I called Maddie to invite her to the concert. She agreed and I picked her up and waited until we got on the Causeway Bridge so that there would be no turning back to tell her “oh by the way... we’re meeting my father at the concert”! Before the concert we went for dinner and drinks at P.F. Chang’s. It was as if we had not missed any time together. We had a fantastic time seeing one of my favorite country artists. We were then stuck in traffic for two hours leaving the Superdome, which was hands-down the greatest traffic jam of my life! We continued to date and I knew from how natural and easy the dates went, that this was it. Our time felt like a river and the conversation flowed. I knew I wanted to follow that river with her for the rest of my life!