Brian messaged Danielle on Upward, a Christian dating app! (Neither of them can believe someone worthwhile was actually on there) --- Brian was a true Catholic man, and Danielle knew she wanted to talk to him to see where it led!

Brian and Danielle arranged to FaceTime each other for the first time! They planned for the call to only be an hour long... however, it turned into more than 3+ hours of laughs, joy, and peace! Brian and Danielle proceeded to talk on the phone, via call or FaceTime, every day for three weeks (multiple hours each time)!

Brian drove down from central Illinois to Saint Charles so that he and Danielle could meet in person for the first time! He drove to her house (nervously) and gave her a beautiful bouquet of flowers before heading out for lunch! They attempted to go to MOD Pizza, but upon arrival, saw the restaurant was indeed closed. This led the couple to head downtown for some good ole' BBQ at Salt & Smoke! Over the meal, Brian and Danielle talked more about their faith, their family, and held hands for the first time! After a nice meal and walk downtown, Brian drove Danielle to a Sunday afternoon of beach volleyball! The day ended with some MOD Pizza (finally!) and a movie!

After finding a spot to hammock and enjoy the lovely Fall weather at Lake Springfield, Danielle and Brian became official! --- After multiple days of phone calls, FaceTimes, and texts, both Danielle and Brian felt at peace with each other and knew they were ready to move forward in the relationship! The couple went to Applebee's before deciding on going to the movies to see "The Blind."

Brian told Danielle that he loved her!! Danielle was super nervous because she knew she wanted to say it back, but needed some more time. Brian got in his car to drive to a friend's house for the night, but could not stop smiling as he was thinking of what just happened.

Danielle told Brian she loved him back! --- On Thanksgiving morning, after sharing "good morning" sentiments, Danielle was smiling ear to ear as she finally was able to tell Brian "I love you."

We spent much of 2024 visiting one another on weekends and days off between St. Louis and Bloomington-Normal, Illinois (where Brian worked at Illinois State University)! We played some pickle ball, went to several nights at the symphony, tried quite a few restaurants, and spent a LOT of time on Facetime together!

Brian and Danielle headed down south to Alabama so that Danielle could meet Brian's parents for the first time!

Brian and Danielle decided to drive to Grafton, IL for some fall fun. The couple made their way to Eckert's Farm where they picked apples, rode on the tractor to select some pumpkins, and tried some local fall ale under the shade of a nice tree. Afterwards, they decided to ride on the sky rail nearby and got to see a majestic view of the water.

We went swing dancing with some friends at Casa Loma Ballroom, where Danielle's grandparents had been on one of their first dates nearly 70 years before!

Brian worked with the ISU Baseball team, traveling most weekends with the program! Danielle did her best to come to games and visit with him, including at SIUE!

Unbeknownst to Danielle, Brian went to Jack Lewis Jewelers to officially purchase the ring! He was so nervous and excited after he made this purchase.

The next day, Brian asked Danielle's dad for his blessing! --- After driving down to see Danielle, Brian met up with her dad to ask for his blessing to marry his daughter!

In mid July, (on a very hot and sweaty day) Brian moved down to St. Louis and got a job working at the Saint Charles Co. YMCA as the Sports Director!

The day was here ... and Danielle had NO CLUE!

After a weekend full of memories (the Zoo, picnic in the park, Sunday Mass), Brian came over to Danielle's house so they could go pray at the local church! Danielle rushed to get ready and the two found their seats nearly right as daily Mass started. Afterwards, the two decided to go pray in the nearby chapel.

As the time slowly ticked away, Brian told Danielle he needed to "use" the bathroom in hopes of using the distraction to head outside and get the ring/wedding proposal. He made his way back inside and sat right behind Danielle. Brian's heart started racing.

Finally, he built the courage to tap Danielle on the shoulder and get down on one knee right in front of the crucifix to ask the question of "Will You Marry Me?" Through the countless tears and pure jubilation, Danielle said "YES!" The two knelt down in gratitude to the Lord for the many ups and downs they went through to get to this particular moment.

They left the chapel as fiancé and fiancée :)