March 26, 2023: He said, "Hi Alisa, can I have a hug?"

We met in church, while I was waiting to go to a meeting. Tim decided, after watching me from afar, to take a chance and say hello. He caught me off guard, and I was pleasantly surprised. I gave him my number, something I hadn't done in years, and we met at Bread Co in Clayton. He was a complete gentleman--holding the chair out for this very flustered lady was beyond charming! We ended up sitting there for almost 5 HOURS!

I obviously was interested, because I asked HIM out on a second date! We went to a fundraiser and had our first slow dance. It was lovely, and I was glad that I had invited him. Again, he was nothing but a gentleman.

Fast forward to that summer and an eager Tim wanted to tell everyone that we were dating! Although I'm an extrovert, I was still shy about it. But he was right--people were happy for us. More importantly. Tim made me happy, happier than I had been in many years. And he told me that I made him happy too. What more can you ask for?

Some of our milestones include: Meeting Tim's family at Chris and Holly's wedding; Tim going with me and my family to my MBA commencement in Texas; going to see and hear Tim performing with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at so many wonderful performances; Tim meeting my extended family and immediately fitting in; ringing in 2024 in Jacksonville, FL; celebrating our one-year anniversary in Chicago, IL...and so much more!

We're lucky that Tim decided take a chance to say hi on that warm sunny Sunday at church. Both of our lives are the better for it, and we know that on June 7, 2025, our future together will continue to be amazing!