Nathan began working at the University of Chicago Athletic Department in November 2021 - and Ally showed up as his new co-worker in February 2022. While Nathan recalls his first thought being "dang, I'm excited to work with her" - Ally recalls thinking that Nathan didn't enjoy her because he hardly spoke to her (turns out, he's just quiet). Fast forward a few months, we officially became friends after fixing a malfunctioning scoreboard at a UChicago Baseball game and deciding that we "made a good team." Fast forward a few more months with a blossomed friendship, more team-efforts at work and some dates thrown in the mix...we made a better team than we thought, and began dating in September 2022. Thanks, UChicago!!!

After Ally received a job offer in Northern Michigan, we decided to take a leap of faith and make the big move from Chicago, IL to Traverse City, MI in January 2024. Ally's childhood was based in Northern Michigan, and her family continued to frequent the area with having a cabin near Lake Leelanau. Nathan had been able to visit the area plenty of times and always loved the vibe of Northern Michigan. Knowing that both of us were looking for a change of pace in our personal and professional lives, this area seemed like the perfect fit - and we could not be happier. Ally now works for a local incentive travel company as a Program Coordinator, and Nathan works for a local winery as a Wine Cellar Assistant.

The plan for our Saturday had been to spend the day at Ally's family cabin to watch Ohio State Football, and to later head into town for a Christmas light show with her two friends, Mia and Shelby. But, Nathan surprised Ally with other plans when he asked her to head outside with him following the game. He led her into the cherry tree field that borders her family's property, straight to a blanket set with champagne, flowers and photos of them over the years. He took her hand, knelt down one one knee and asked for her hand in marriage - answered with an enthusiastic "yes" and a lot of jumping up and down. Soon after, some of our closest family and friends surprised Ally to join us for a night full of celebrating!