In August 2017, we both showed up to Mario Kart Madness at one of Katie’s high school best friends Kaitlyn’s house, blissfully unaware that our lives were about to change. Katie arrived eager to win the tournament; Tyler, as it turns out, had just met the love of his life. What started as a fun game night turned into a beautiful friendship that slowly blossomed into something more. After attending various dances together, such as Mercy Ring Dance, Loyola Prom, Mercy Prom, many homecoming dances, and numerous baseball and lacrosse games, our relationship officially began. After high school graduation, we took on a 907-mile long-distance relationship so Katie could play lacrosse and pursue an exercise science major at Florida Southern College, while Tyler continued his baseball career studying Economics at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. After college, we reunited in Maryland and began building our life together. Katie went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and Tyler became a Project Engineer at Lewis Contractors. Our little family grew by eight paws with our two dogs, Moose and Nala, who make us smile every single day. Amid all the bustle of “real life,” Tyler proposed to Katie on September 8, 2024—and it was the easiest “yes” she’s ever given! After the engagement, the wedding excitement began!