As Holly mentioned, we brushed paths multiple times before our story truly began. I am just glad she broke down and wasted an afternoon hanging out with a group of “nerds”.

Our story does not have the multi-million dollar budget of a RomCom, but it does have a goofball who through all odds and his blunders, somehow ends up with the girl of his dreams.

I was going into my last year at Michigan State, with my only focus on enjoying my last bit of freedom. Holly entered my life and very quickly changed that. She found me witty and somewhat funny, even though most of what came out of my mouth was movie references. Holly was not a movie aficionado, which luckily gave me a few year head starto! Her personality was infectious and we quickly made so many fun memories. I’ll never forget the night we had an earthquake move the house and almost take Holly out completely.

2020 rolled around and Holly was in her last semester of college. She was adamant she was not looking for anything serious. So my smart ole brain decided to invite her on a ski weekend with my mom and family soon after that. Luckily, Miss Samsonite joined me on the slopes instead of running for the hills. Let’s just say my brain did not get any better as our relationship progressed. Even though I planned out the perfect opportunity, I decided to blurt out I love you for the first time next to the dumpster behind Bell’s Pizza. Thankfully, she found this very cute and memorable and doesn’t remember the smell of old pizza and booze. When the idea of grad school in Chicago arose, my brain immediately went “It is only 106 miles to Chicago, I got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and I’m wearing sunglasses”. I never worried about taking the leap and moving to Chicago with Holly. In my head, the biggest downside was being surrounded by Blackhawks and White Sox fans.

Our chapter in Chicago is full of amazing memories, friendships, adventures, and a chunky boy we call Coach. Our love grew stronger with each blanket fort, each road trip, and each food quest our stomachs longed for.

Especially when those quests involved driving 30 min for corn dogs covered in Cheetos. I knew quickly and with my whole heart that I wanted her at my side for as many chapters as my story contains.

I am lucky to call Holly my forever tailgate partner, my shotgun rider on the quest for tiny fried donuts, and most importantly, my future wife.

H&L

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception