Our Story
Question
How did we meet?
Answer
It all started at our mutual employer, Sartori Cheese—which feels fitting, because our relationship has only gotten better with age. Maddie was filling in for her manager and needed info from Phil on a company project he was leading, so they set up a meeting on-site to discuss in person. She noticed his height immediately; he noticed her smile, confidence, and how genuinely warm and kind she was… which made him nervous and sweaty, unlike he's ever been before.. Unfortunately, our lives became busy following our brief introduction, and we did not cross paths again for about six months. During that period, we both thought about that moment and when we would see each other again. Then came the post-project celebration dinner, where we reconnected over drinks and conversation which led to us igniting our friendship.
Question
Then what?
Answer
We started intermittently texting and hit up a few happy hours, during which we quickly realized we actually liked each other - more than co-workers, or just friends. Phil then may have overpromised his schedule and accidentally "ditched" Maddie three times before their first date—to be fair, he was trying to impress her and make time for her but didn't quite plan accordingly! Luckily, she found it endearing and he eventually made it up to her! Once we finally went on that first date, everything clicked. We became inseparable, moving in together within a few months. Our household grew with our Bengal cat, Charlie, and later followed with our street cat, Tiger. Now, our life is full of tiny paws, outdoor cat adventures, and shared love of birds and nature. Maddie teases Phil for confidently mispronouncing words, phrases, and "facts," and Phil teases Maddie for needing a bathroom break at every possible moment. At least our cats sleeping in ridiculous positions is our shared love language.
Question
So he proposed, right?
Answer
Obvi, the proposal was peak Phil: he surprised Maddie with a massage and nail day at the Kohler Lodge. While she was relaxing, Phil decorated a suite and had the hotel staff pretend we had “earned a free room” as a perk and provide Maddie with a key following her spa day. Maddie walked into the room expecting more leisure and relaxing… and instead found Phil down on one knee surrounded by sparking lights, roses, and a ring while he was once again nervous and sweaty, just like the first day they met. And now here we are—two people who fell in love over cheese, happy hours, cats, and nature—ready for the next chapter and a long, happy life of adventures together!