We've waited 13 years for thisWe've waited 13 years for this

Their love story is far from traditional. To start, they're two women and to package it all up...it began while Christi was pregnant with their first child: Anderson. Christi knew instantly she had found someone pretty special when Sarah didn't blink twice about potentially dating a woman who was pregnant with someone else's child. Christi and Sarah had similar friend circles for years but had lost regular touch as the years progressed. It wasn't until a chance encounter years later, that led to catching up over lunch, which led to flirty texts and finally...girlfriend status. Neither was looking for anything serious. Christi was focusing on her pregnancy and Sarah was fresh out of her long-term relationship, but it became clear that each offered each other what they were both striving for: a family. And so...a family was born. Literally. 4 months later. The early years were complicated and hard. But the two of them focused on building a solid foundation for their budding little family. Three years later, they purchased their first house and began setting down some roots back in Christi's hometown of Burlington, WI. Since then, the two of them have welcomed their daughter, Amelia, took up running as a quasi-hobby, navigated promotions and job changes, battled depression and anxiety, lost loved ones, and hugged each other tightly as tears fell. They built a rock-solid friend circle which expands even bigger when you consider all of Sarah's sports teams - of which many Christi now considers friends. But if you were to ask them both what the biggest accomplishment of their 13 years together has been, they would both say this: "it was prioritizing each other and our family above and beyond all else in the world". Their story begins with family and it will be the center focus of their wedding as well. They cannot wait to welcome you to their family table - and celebrate a 13 year love story.

For years, Christi was adamant that Sarah be the one to propose. As the one who typically handles most of the life planning in their relationship, Christi wanted this moment to be Sarah’s choice—something she initiated on her own. But after 11 years together, Christi had started to believe it might never happen. Then came December 15, 2023. Sarah’s family had come to town for the weekend. Sarah’s mom, Jackie, offered to watch the kids while the adults enjoyed a bit of “grown-up time” in Milwaukee. Before heading out, though, the group made a quick pit stop in Bay View. The excuse? They needed to pick up a Facebook Marketplace item—an explanation that was oddly believable given the crowd. On the way there, Sarah began acting carsick. Christi, concerned—since Sarah never gets carsick—rubbed her back and tried to keep her comfortable. When they arrived in the parking lot of South Shore Park, Christi and Sarah got out to take a short walk and get some fresh air while the others waited for the supposed pickup. As they strolled along the lake trail, Christi remarked on how much she missed being back in Bay View and their old daily walks. Meanwhile, Sarah continued to play up her illness, slouching over and pretending to feel miserable. After a while, they decided to head back, chatting and reminiscing about their life in the neighborhood. As they rounded a corner, Christi spotted two children up ahead and casually said, “Aww, that looks like the kiddos.” Then—wait—it was the kiddos! At first, Christi assumed Jackie had brought them to the park, but that thought quickly disappeared as she saw her mom and dad standing there too. Confused, she scanned the small crowd and realized: she knew everyone. It was her entire family. And suddenly—it clicked. Startled and overwhelmed, Christi looked at Sarah and blurted, “What are you doing?” From there, it was a chaotic mix of swear words, sweet nothings, and one very important question: “Will you marry me?” It was an immediate yes—surrounded by family, in one of their favorite Milwaukee spots. They celebrated with hugs, champagne, and an impromptu engagement party at a local brewery.