If you ask Carolin... Our story started in the spring of 2021. Robert and I went to high school together, but reconnected years later. We talked for about a week before hanging out. Robert and I went on a Dunkin trip and then went for a walk in Hammel Woods. During our trip to Dunkin, Robert and I had the same coffee order, caramel iced coffee with cream and light ice. After we got our coffee, we went for our walk. During that time we talked for hours getting to know each other more.

We hung out numerous times after that. We started as friends but grew a connection quickly. Robert asked me to be his girlfriend on June 26, 2021 (stitch day for everyone who knows I love stitch). Robert gave me a handwritten letter with sunflowers. At that time I realized how much I loved Robert, even if I didn't say it at that moment. Robert showed me his values by always caring for others and making me feel loved.

When we first said I love you, it was a simple moment. Robert and I were watching a movie and the words just simply came out. We were both a little nervous to tell each other, but I feel like I knew so weeks prior.

During the first year of us dating, we had plenty of adventures. Robert and I went on our first trip to California to see Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags. Most importantly, during our first year of dating Robert proposed.

Robert's proposal is definitely one to remember. During the Spring of 2022, Robert was working in Indiana and I was finishing my undergrad. The distance was a little rough, but Robert drove home every weekend to see me. One night I mentioned to Robert the thought of us getting married and spending the rest of our lives together. Two days later, Robert had bought my engagement ring. That weekend he traveled back home to Illinois. A few weeks prior I had mentioned us going out on a date and getting all dressed up. That weekend, Robert said he wanted to take me out to dinner and have a late night at the casino. We went out to dinner in Naperville at an Italian restaurant as Robert knows how much I love spaghetti. We left the dinner and went to the Casino. We checked into our room and had a drink. Robert started by saying "You know how much I love you". At that moment I saw him reach into his pocket and pull out a ring box. I was so shocked the only thing I could say was "What are doing?" Robert then told me I may want to sit down. Then he asked if I would marry him. I was so shocked the only thing I could say was "Oh my God" for two minutes straight. I finally said yes as my nerves calmed down! Robert and I got engaged on April 2nd, 2022.

After our engagement, we had plenty more adventures. in 2022. We moved to Indianapolis and took a trip to Disney World with my mom. In 2023, we moved back to Illinois and took another trip to California for Disneyland and Universal Studios. I finally graduated with my Master's degree, with Robert's support of course. We were finally able to start wedding planning!

We are now getting ready to have our special day to prepare to spend the rest of our lives together.

If you ask Robert... I met Carolin in high school. We had PE together, we would talk while we walked the track. I did think she was sweet, but unfortunately she had a boyfriend. We didn't really talk to each other outside of that one hour a day. We didn't keep in touch after graduation.

We did end up reconnecting eventually though. It was 2021, I had just seen her as a recommended friend on social media. I decided to add her and say hi, ask her how she's been. We got a coffee and went for a walk.

Soon enough, we were binge watching movies and tv series together. Eventually I told her I have feelings for her, she told me she felt the same. Our first date was at Texas Roadhouse, I wore a bright orange Chicago Bears polo and she laughed at me for it.

Not too long into us dating, Carolin moved in with her older sister who had just bought a house. Now she was a 30 minute drive away instead of a short walk. That was a little difficult at first. We talked about how we wish we could see each other more, and I asked her if she'd like to stay with me. She said yes.

Fast forward a bit, there was a big job for FedEx in Indiana. I decided to take it while Carolin stayed home to finish her year of college. I would drive the 4 hour drive home as many weekends as I could. She also would make the trip out to me if I couldn't make it but she could.

While we were apart I had decided I was ready. I started planning my surprise for her. She happened to want the new apple watch that just came out. So I bought the apple watch and an engagement ring. So on April 2nd of 2022 we had plans to go to a nice restaurant, a casino, and stay the night in a nice hotel. After dinner we stopped to buy a bottle of Woodford reserve whiskey/bourbon and headed to the hotel. I gave her the new apple watch first, she liked it. I then told her I had something very important to ask her, and she should probably sit down. That was when I got on one knee and asked her if she would marry me. She was very surprised, I still tease her every now and again because she took a while to realize she hadn't said yes yet. She said because I got her the apple watch she thought no way I would have also bought a ring. So my plan worked.

When she was done with school for the year, she decided she wanted to move out to Indiana with me. We lived in Indiana for about a year or so. After about a year we had agreed that it would be best for Carolin to move back home to go to the same school to finish her education. Once my job was done, I came home as well.

After being back home for a while we agreed that we were ready to start planning the wedding. That brings us to where we're at.