Maureen and Tom met in a the University of Dallas through mutual friends, but didn't really notice each other till their semester abroad in Rome sophomore year. During that semester, Tom switched his classes to be in all of Maureen's and eventually she took a special notice to him as well. After a beautiful and eventful first date in the hills of Castel Gondolfo, the two were nearly inseparable. Their relationship continued throughout the rest of their time at University of Dallas and continued through Maureen's year in Ireland in 2022 until they finally reunited in Dallas. In September of 2023, as the two celebrated the 5 year anniversary of their first date, Tom asked Maureen to Marry him. To which she, obviously, said yes :) As they eagerly await this next chapter of their adventure, they thank you for all your support and prayers and can't wait to celebrate with everyone this summer!

"I could never date someone who argues Philosophy like THAT," Maureen thought to herself as she walked away from yet another post philosophy class debate with one, Thomas Chadwick. Little did she know, this was all part of Mr.Chadwick's master plan. Their eyes first locked across a pub in Ireland, a serendipitous encounter before their semester abroad in Rome. From that moment, Tom was determined to etch himself into Miss Shumay's heart. "I could never resist someone who argued philosophy with such passion," Tom confessed to himself, his eyes gleaming as he began his pursuit with fiery determination. He orchestrated his schedule to align with hers, strategically positioning himself in her line of sight for every lecture. Arguing against her in and out of philosophy class became his artful courtship dance, weaving into the tapestry of Maureen's academic world. Maureen indeed couldn't help but notice that charmingly aggravating, mustached young man who had become an integral part of her day (and philosophical development). As weeks unfolded, spirited debates evolved into intimate conversations, blossoming into tender flirts. One day, on a Roman stroll, Tom lost a 5 euro bet to Maureen, who, instead of claiming her prize, suggested a beer as payment (*enter the first handkerchief drop*). A few days later, Tom whisked Maureen away on a hike through the enchanting hills of Castel Gondolfo. Their footsteps echoed through the woods as they delved into endless talks until they stumbled upon what seemed to be the perfect cave to settle in. As they walked blissfully toward the cave- they suddenly halted in their tracks. There, barely three feet away from them, lay a gargantuan 6-foot wild boar- large enough to fill the entire cave's entrance. Maureen, startled, threw her copy of Augustine's Confessions (later fetched by Tom) and sought refuge in Tom's arms (*cue the second handkerchief drop*). Sleeping or dead- they didn't stay to find out. Swiftly distancing themselves from the massive pig, they resumed their quest for a more fitting haven. Breathless and relieved- they finally they discovered a boar-less retreat, far from the sleeping (or dead?) beast. There they settled and savored the beer owed to Maureen, Tom serenading the evening on his Ukulele. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tom guided Maureen out of the cave onto a moonlit trail. There they slow danced as the most delicate sprinkle of rain peppered the trees around them. Time seemed to stop in this moment. For the bus however, time continued on- and before they knew it, the two found themselves stranded in Castel Gondolfo at 10 pm, miles away from campus. With hearts ablaze and conversation flowing, they embarked on an hour long moonlit journey back to UD's campus, the echoes of their laughter mingling with the rustling leaves. From that extraordinary evening, the two became inseparable, their love story a testament to the thrilling romance that sparked beneath the Italian stars.