You could say that Rebecca and Tom met due to a series of fortunate events. Tom, originally from Chicago and planning to return, took a job in Central Illinois after fellowship, despite several other opportunities at the time. After remaining for several years, through work he met his friend and best man, Kendall Held. Kendall and Tom developed a close personal and professional relationship which, five states, three countries, many miles hiked, and countless dinners later, is still going strong. Kendall's father, Randy, and Rebecca's brother, George, happen to work together. Both having single (at the time) relatives, Kendall and Rebecca were set up. It became apparent that there was not a romantic connection between them, however, despite remaining friends to this day. Kendall, being the amazing friend that he is, recognized that all of the ways that he is different from Rebecca are the same ways that he is different from Tom, and suggested that Tom and Rebecca meet. Now, a little more than three years later, here we are! Tom had been intending to propose during a planned European vacation in Summer 2025, however during a conversation about their future while celebrating their second anniversary Rebecca expressed that she "would rather get engaged at Tipton Park in November." Always listening and eager to please, Tom hurried up and got the ring ordered and on November 22, 2024, by the lake at Tipton Park, Tom asked Rebecca to marry him and she said yes. We are so happy to share our story with all of you and we are so grateful that you are celebrating our special day with us!