It all began thanks to the matchmaking magic of Danielle and Matt Schmalix. Danielle (Kristie's cousin) and Matt (Loni's best friend) had a feeling that Kristie and Loni just might work, and it turns out they were right!! From the very first blind date, it was clear that this wouldn't be your average get-to-know you dinner. Before the entree was served, Kristie leaned in and said "Just so you know... I'm dating for marriage." Subtle? Maybe not. Effective? Absolutely. From then on, they took time to truly understand each other's worlds, diving into the joy (and chaos) of each other's big, loving families. Loni embraced Kristie's Italian heritage, complete with laughter, loud dinners and rooted in love for family. Meanwhile, Kristie was welcomed into Loni's proud Albanian traditions, where strength, loyalty and togetherness are everything. Soon, Sunday sauce met Albanian byrek, and somehow it just made sense. Although their personalities differ, Loni- cool, collected and steady and Kristie- a bit more bubbly and dreamy, they balance each other perfectly. They find joy in life's simplest pleasures- home-cooked meals, quiet nights in, and time spent with the people they love most. Now, the same people who brought them together will be cheering them on as they prepare for the wedding they half-planned on that very first date. So yes, technically, Kristie warned him and Loni still showed up for date number two and each one after that.