We met in the fall of 2016 at Trine University. Our paths crossed through shared friend groups and classes like organic chemistry; what we didn’t realize at first was that we were living in the same apartment building (named Wilson) on campus. It didn’t take long before we became inseparable; cafeteria breakfast dates, study sessions, and the occasional “power hour” at the lacrosse house. After graduation, navigating a long-distance relationship was in the cards for a couple of years. Sarah worked in New York during the pandemic while Neil returned home to the Chicago area. Those years taught us the importance of patience, trust, and commitment. We eventually settled together in Beach Park, IL, where we now have a home. Our family has grown over the years. First, we brought home a golden fur baby named Wilson, an ode to where it all started. We also rescued Charles (in charge), a chaotic tuxedo cat who has no fear and believes gravity is optional. Almost a decade later, we are both so grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout our relationship and cannot wait to celebrate!

In August 2024, we set out on a two-week trip that started in London and ended in Ireland. It was the first and longest vacation that we had taken in the nine years of being together. On August 15th, we climbed Croagh Patrick, a mountain known as Ireland’s holy peak and a traditional site of pilgrimage. We had visited five years earlier but only made it halfway up, making this hike significant for both of us. The morning was clear and sunny. By the time we reached the summit, clouds had rolled in, and the view disappeared. Neil had originally planned to propose there but decided to wait for a better moment. After making our way back down, we stopped at the pub located at the base of the mountain for a well-deserved pint of Guinness. He suggested that we stop just across the street, at a secluded beach. With the mountain we had recently scaled in the background and no one else around, Neil proposed.