We plan to continue as scheduled with our wedding festivities. We hope you are able to attend but completely understand if you are unable to join us. We love you all and want you to feel safe and comfortable with your decision. Here are some ways we are adapting to COVID-19: Hand sanitizers will be included in the welcome bags, placed at all tables, and scattered throughout the event Up to 8 people will be seated per table to allow more space while eating dinner Any guests in the high risk category will be sat separately from the rest of the guests to minimize risk The reception venue will have a spacious upstairs area overlooking the main floor for guests to spread out during cocktail hour and after dinner. During the ceremony, guests will sit every other pew to encourage social distancing Masks will be encouraged, especially when moving throughout the space (walking in and out of reception venue, walking from cocktail hour to dinner, walking in and out of the church, walking up to receive communion, walking to the restroom, etc.) Masks will not be required while you are stationary in one place, eating, or drinking We will continue to monitor and comply with Kansas City, Missouri guidelines and update any changes here on our website.

It all began at Wheelhouse in St. Louis. Austin and his friend spotted Michelle and her friend from across the bar. Austin called dibs on Michelle, and sent his trusted wing-man to initiate the conversation. Michelle and Austin talked all night, and discovered they were both in school at St. Louis University and also lived in the same apartment building. Days later, Austin reached out again. Unfortunately for Austin, Michelle incorrectly estimated his age and thought he was several years younger than her, so she "ghosted" him. They continued to cross paths in their apartment building, exchanging pleasantries. After one of these conversations, Michelle decided to Facebook stalk Austin and quickly realized that Austin was older than she initially believed. On December 2, 2016 Michelle and Austin ran into each other at McGurks. Michelle began the conversation with "you're never going to believe this, but I thought you were only 21..." Austin laughed and they went on their first date two days later.

Throughout their relationship, Michelle and Austin often discussed their future. In the later part of 2018, Austin asked Michelle if she was ready to start looking at rings. Michelle, of course, was ready. Austin secretly reached out to two of her closest friends to begin planning the perfect proposal in Michelle's hometown of Kansas City. He originally led Michelle to believe that it wouldn't be until the fall of 2019. He then had one of Michelle's friends text the group chat to let everyone know he would be in town in June, and they should all get together. Michelle took the bait, and they headed to Kansas City. Austin, being the planner that he is, suggested that they go see the Kauffman Memorial Gardens and grab a drink at Boulevard before meeting up with her friends. As Michelle walked along a row of flowers, Austin lingered slowly behind her, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him. Michelle stared at him silently, wide-eyed and jaw-dropped, completely surprised. After the longest 10 seconds of Austin's life, Michelle said yes! They made their way to Boulevard for a celebratory drink. Then they returned to the Nogalski house, where unbeknownst to Michelle, a surprise engagement party was waiting. They celebrated the rest of the night with their families and friends.