We’re getting married!

Natalie and Alex’s story began in March 2017 in O’Donnell Hall at Marquette University. Natalie was studying chemistry on a Sunday night when she heard a knock on her door, and to her surprise, it was her major crush, Alex Penkwitz. Alex and Natalie were in the same Theology class. Alex requested “help” on the upcoming essays for the class, only for Natalie to later find out, he was only looking for a way to talk to her. The two soon deeply connected over their passion for eating healthy, exercising, and enjoying life on Marquette’s campus. They shared several firsts throughout the remainder of their freshman year, including their first glass of Moscato D’Asti, their first date at Screaming Tuna, their first Marquette basketball game, and their first shared ice cream at Purple Door. Their relationship continued to grow and Alex asked Natalie to be his girlfriend on June 4, 2017. Their relationship remained strong throughout their years at Marquette, overcoming obstacles and celebrating triumphs together. Alex and Natalie graduated together in 2020, Alex with a degree in finance, and Natalie with a degree in biomedical sciences. Alex soon thereafter began work as an investment banker at Promontory Point Capital, while Natalie remained in graduate school to complete her Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies. Fast forward to March 11, 2022, when Alex asked Natalie to be his plus-one to an Applied Investment Management (AIM) reunion on Marquette’s campus. Natalie was thrilled with the idea and could not wait for a moment to look nice alongside Alex. Just before the event, Alex suggested they take a walk through central mall, past the newly renovated St. Joan of Arc Chapel. Natalie agreed to the walk, to Alex’s surprise, despite the frigid temperatures. As Natalie and Alex walked hand-in-hand towards the doors to the chapel, Natalie began to feel butterflies in her stomach, realizing what was going on after seeing the beautiful display of candles lining the chapel entrance. It was there in front of the chapel where the two had met where Alex got down on one knee and asked Natalie to marry him, stating he had been, “Waiting for this moment from the day I met you.”