Tommy and Christy met on a blind date that was set up by Tommy's sister, Kelsey.

Kelsey and Christy had become friends through a small group at church. One late September evening, at a local Oktoberfest, Kelsey was sharing pictures of her recent wedding. One of these wedding pictures included Tommy, an usher in the wedding. It is debated to this day who suggested the pairing of Christy and Tommy first, as Christy's parents, Christy's roommate, and Kelsey were all apart of this conversation. What we do know is that a blind date was set up and coordinated by Kelsey at a small coffee shop in Long Grove, IL on October 7th, 2018.

Christy and Tommy each approached the blind date differently. While Tommy made a point to know as little as possible going into the date, Christy asked Kelsey many questions leading up to the meeting. As you can probably guess, the blind date went swimmingly. Tommy and Christy talked for three hours. This is usually when we say "the rest is history," and that is true. We have been dating ever since!

Since that first date, Tommy and Christy have been dating ever since. They have sought to keep Christ at the center of their relationship and discern if their relationship would ultimately bring glory to the Lord. It was only a few months in when they felt true clarity - they wanted to pursue one another forever. And it truly was a sweet and formative 10 months of growing and learning about one another - they are looking forward to a lifetime of getting to do this!

July 20th, 2019 - Tommy took Christy to Camp Timberlee.

Camp Timberlee is a special place to Tommy. He spent many years serving the Lord there, forming lifelong friendships, and growing in his own walk with the Lord. Tommy took Christy to Timberlee to meet up with his buddy Pete and Pete's girlfriend, Eden. Christy thought they were going to hike and canoe and just spend time with friends up at the Camp. Little did she know, Tommy had the whole day planned - although, it didn't go exactly as he had planned it.

It was a hot day in July and a heat advisory was being called for. Tommy was prepared for the heat, but he was not prepared for the thunderstorm that rolled in just after Tommy and Christy arrived at camp. The only thing to do was wait it out. Tommy, Pete, Eden and Christy sat inside and talked for a while while the rain persisted. Tommy knew at this point that canoeing was out of the question, as he had planned to take Christy on a canoe across the lake to a special spot.

The rain eventually let up, and the group decided to go for a hike. Pete came up with a very convincing excuse to get some work done, and he left with Eden to leave Tommy and Christy to go for a walk. Tommy said some sweet things, Chirsty still had no clue.

They made it to a dock overlooking the lake. They sat down, took their shoes off and let their feet dip in the water. Tommy was kindly encouraging and uplifting Christy as they talked, and then told Christy that she "would need to stand up for this next part." Tommy up to one knee and asked Christy to marry him.

You can guess the answer ;) it was the easiest and quickest decision Christy has ever made. Little did she know, Tommy had another surprise waiting. As Christy and Tommy made their way around the camp while Kelsey and her husband Phil took pictures of them, they made their way to a clearing where a pavilion sat. Underneath the pavilion stood Christy's whole family, Tommy's whole family, Christy's best friend, and Pete and Eden. God allowed the rain to cool off the hot day, and the weather was perfect to enjoy a cook out with family and friends to celebrate Tommy and Christy's engagement!