It all started on June 12th, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nathan and Mary Kate had both become Catholic missionaries and were being sent to the same state of Massachusetts for the upcoming school year. Both had been placed at the same table for a dinner party and Nathan was the only one at the table who Mary Kate didn’t know. So, she immediately asked, “Who are you?” and “What is your name?” After learning that he grew up in Oregon and had moved to Arizona during college she simply moved on with the conversation and thought “He’s a nice guy.”

Over the next months, they would see each other at different events such as a retreat in Rhode Island, various get togethers, and hangouts involving both universities. One event that really stood out was the Fall dance held at the Bridgewater State University Newman Center on November 11th, 2023. Many people had come for the dance, but Mary Kate specifically walked up to Nathan and noticed that he was always wearing cowboy boots. She jokingly remarked that he was the only person in the state of MA to wear cowboy boots and soon enough Nathan asked her to dance.

Fast forward a few months later to May 6th when Nathan asked Mary Kate on a date. After Mass, coffee, many jokes and a very windy walk on the beach both were very happy and hoped there was much more to come. Over the next 8 months and many fun adventures filled with ups and downs Nathan proposed at the Arizona State Newman Center chapel on December 15th, 2024. They are both extremely grateful for the countless blessings and the beautiful opportunity to enter into their vocation by the grace of God. Thank you so much for being such an important part of their lives

We are so grateful for all of you and truly appreciate the ways you have loved and influenced us throughout our lives and our relationship. You are all so important to us and have played such a pivotal role in our individual growth and now as a couple journeying towards marriage.