Austin and Katie met first at University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2013. Because of mutual friends, Katie spent a lot of time at the "Bone Zone", one of the trombone houses off campus where Austin lived. However, they were always just friends in college.

They continued to see each other after college at friends' parties and Badger football tailgates. In January of 2020, Katie convinced Austin to take her to a Milwaukee Bucks game. There was a lot of debate on if this was a date or not.........Katie thought it was..........Austin didn't know. Austin told Katie that unfortunately, Giannis wasn't playing at the game. Katie said "Who is Giannis?". Don't worry, she now knows who he is but her favorite player is Bobby Portis.

With Austin living in Milwaukee, and Katie in Sun Prairie, and a pandemic, they didn't see each other much until June of 2020. Katie went to a brewery with groomsmen Austin Gohman and Michael Donetello, and bridesmaid, Anna Kleinhans. Austin G. invited Katie to a virtual "Cards Against Humanity" game, that Austin was also attending. During this game, Katie played two cards that related to Star Wars, and won the hand. Austin took the "in" and invited himself over to watch one of the films, since he remembered Katie had not seen them.

Katie and Austin remained "long distance" from Milwaukee to Sun Prairie until March of 2021, when Katie got her new job at the Medical College of Wisconsin. They then moved into their apartment (across the street from The Trade) in May of 2023.

Despite living together for over two years, Katie still has not seen all the Star Wars films...... but they are so excited to celebrate their love story with everyone on September 27!