Caroline and Mark met the Friday before Thanksgiving in November of 2017 on a night out with friends at Kelly’s Westport Inn. Mark overheard Caroline talking with friends about a teaching story, and decided to interject with the pick-up line, “My aunt’s a teacher!” (shout out to Aunt Karen!) Even with the most charming friends surrounding Caroline, Mark only had eyes for her. They exchanged numbers that evening and Mark asked Caroline on their first date the following day.

Their first date was that Monday, at District Pour House in Waldo, where Mark and Caroline discovered they had much in common, including a couple of mutual friends. A second date was set for that Wednesday, and Mark was even brave enough to go to a “Wild Turkey Wednesday” Party after with all of Caroline’s friends.

Mark and Caroline went their separate ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families – Mark was of course late. Caroline later discovered that she was a topic of Mark’s conversation at his Thanksgiving dinner that year. They went on their third date the next day.

Skip ahead 7 years and here we are today. Mark finally popped the question on December 30, 2023 at their Brookside home with their dog Cleo by their side. After a celebratory dinner at Axios, Caroline was surprised at their home with her family and friends at their house ready to celebrate their engagement.

Over the past 7 years, Mark and Caroline have become part of each other’s families. We are excited to celebrate with both of our families and all of our friends who have helped us grow to be the couple we are today.