Alex and Claire met in the fall of 2018 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a first date at Noodles & Company. Several hangouts later, they made it official on November 3, 2018! What started as shared classes and study sessions quickly grew into gameday cheers, late night study breaks that turned into nights out, and the small, joyful rituals that make a relationship feel like home.

Their favorite memories from Madison include football Saturdays, coffee dates in between classes, and the post-study nightlife adventures that followed. Alex even tried one of Claire’s cycling classes—proof that love sometimes looks like showing up, even for sweaty spin bikes! Those early years were full of laughter, teamwork, and the kind of easy companionship that kept them grounded through exams and big decisions.

After graduation Alex moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for his first full-time job while Claire finished her degree in Madison. They made each other a priority despite the miles: weekend trips to Iowa (shout out to the Sag Wagon!), visits back to Madison where Alex reconnected with old friends, and a steady stream of texts and calls daily. When Claire graduated she moved to Minnesota for work, and the long-distance chapter continued with breweries, boating, cabin weekends, and every small adventure squeezed into the times they could be together.

In 2024 they closed the distance and began living together in St. Louis Park, MN. On June 23rd, Alex proposed at Lake of the Isles—a moment they’ll both carry with them forever.

April 2025 brought a new kind of joy when they welcomed Murphy, their Irish doodle puppy. He’s been the most amazing addition to their little family, filling their home with energy, cuddles, and plenty of puppy chaos.

Alex and Claire are excited to begin this new chapter together in September 2026. They can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends and are grateful for every mile, memory, and moment that led them here. May the adventure continue!