Our story began in the spring of 2018, in the most unexpected of places: the campus pool at the University of Notre Dame, affectionately known as “The Rock”. Charles and I both chose to become lifeguards as our on campus employment during our first semester. During one early Sunday training session that semester, we were introduced. However, we did not get to know each other very well until I chose to audition as an equipment manager for the Notre Dame Marching Band, where Charles was already proudly serving as a member of the mighty Bass section. With the 2018 fall semester bringing marching band commitments for both of us, we found ourselves spending countless early mornings together, working the 6 AM shift.

Those quiet hours by the pool became our own little world. We'd talk for what felt like forever, diving deep into discussions about political science, literature, and our shared, slightly obsessive love for the films "Miracle" and "The Mummy." And, of course, there was Charles's ever-present, burgeoning desire to take over the world – a topic that always brought a laugh.

It took a full year for us to officially get together, but on January 20, 2019, our relationship became official. Charles is always quick to remind everyone that he asked me out first, but the true beginning of our journey as a couple happened when I asked him out. It was next to a bench overlooking the serene St. Mary's Lake, and my confession was truly enormous: "You were right."

For the next two and a half years at Notre Dame, we grew closer than we ever thought possible, even while navigating periods apart for study abroad opportunities in places like St. Petersburg, Russia, and London, England. Whenever we had the chance, our paths would converge. We'd meet on the first floor of LaFortune Student Center (or "LaFun," as we called it) to study, walk the campus lakes, or simply hang out in our residential halls, Fisher and Flaherty, watching movies. Post-marching band, we'd grab a meal at South Dining Hall ("the superior dining hall," Charles insists!), or embark on spontaneous adventures.

College was a time of immense growth, and we learned so much about and from each other. Charles patiently taught me words in Russian, while I took on the crucial task of educating him about the Harry Potter series, gifting him the entire book collection as "educational material." We discovered our differences, like Charles's inexplicable dislike of pickles, but even these quirks only added to the joy and laughter we found in each other every single day.

After graduating college in 2021, we took a big leap: long-distance. We embarked on our own professional journeys, with 600 miles separating us. I chose to work as an Admissions Counselor for the University of Notre Dame for four years before deciding to move back to Pittsburgh to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Meanwhile, Charles moved to Washington, D.C. -- starting in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate, eventually becoming one of the youngest Legislative Directors in the U.S. Senate.

As a couple, we learned the art of communication across those miles, finding little ways to make it work. I became the regional lead for the mid-Atlantic region, which meant I could spend three to five weeks of the year visiting high schools in the local Washington, D.C. area while also saving the University plenty of money on accommodations. In return, Charles would often "crash" in South Bend during his out-of-session weeks. These visits were always a highlight, bridging the distance and reminding us of our constant connection.

Over these past seven years together, we've found immense joy in exploring new places. We've traveled to Pittsburgh, Orlando, New York, Dallas, Corolla, Colonial Williamsburg, Norfolk, Boston, Lexington, and Traverse City, creating countless memories along the way. Charles has successfully completed two marathons and one half-marathon, and I have crocheted fourteen blankets ("yes, these are equally rigorous accomplishments," I maintain!).

Then, on Friday, May 23, 2025, Charles proposed in the very place where it all began: that same bench overlooking St. Mary's Lake on Notre Dame's campus. It was a full-circle moment, filled with so much love and anticipation.

We are incredibly excited to invite all the people we treasure, those who have stood by us through every step of these past seven years, back to the campus where everything started. Join us as we celebrate our marriage on Friday, July 24, 2026!