It all started in September 2023 at a St. James young adult social at Peggy’s Irish Pub in Arlington Heights. Marisa spotted Paul sitting at a table with some friends, walked over, and struck up a conversation - only to find out she had been friends with his brother and sister-in-law the last year and didn't know Paul existed. A few months later, a group from our church community was heading to the SEEK Conference in St. Louis. Most people left on Monday, but both of us—coincidentally—were planning to leave on Wednesday. When Marisa’s original travel buddy had to change plans last-minute, Marisa's roommate encouraged her not to drive alone and suggested Paul take her. Before Paul even had a chance to answer, his brother jumped in and said, “Yes, he’ll take her.” And just like that, we were carpooling together to St. Louis. We talked the entire five-hour drive there… and the entire five hours back. Somewhere between shared playlists, deep conversations, and lots of laughter, a new friendship began to grow. We made a quick stop to pray together at the Basilica of St. Louis—a quiet, meaningful moment that would become far more special than we realized at the time. By the time we returned home, we both quietly knew we wanted to date each other. The very next day, Paul asked Marisa out on a date—and later that week, he took her swing dancing. Now, Marisa had always said she would never date someone who was shorter, younger, or in the military… and Paul was all three. And the rest, as they say, is history. Exactly one year later, we were called back to St. Louis—this time for a military ball. On a sunny winter day, at the very same Basilica of St. Louis where we had first prayed as new friends, Paul got down on one knee and proposed. A month later, Paul was deployed to the Middle East for almost a year. Through the distance, our love grew deeper—and now, we can’t wait to build a life and family together. Thank you for celebrating with us as we enter the sacrament of marriage! Love, Marisa & Paul