His Side:

I think there is a saying out there about, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, no matter how long it takes”…well I was under the impression I could expedite that. Sadly, I was mistaken. Yes, our “story” doesn’t have a direct path, but rather, a couple detours and eventually aligning together, but let me be clear – I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I met Holly for the first time at one of my friend’s (soon to be brother-in-law, Charlie Woodard) combo bachelor/bachelorette party down in the Ozarks. Only a few words were exchanged that weekend back in 2022, but even through minimal interactions it was easy to see what an incredibly kind, caring, and loving individual she was. Oh, did I mention beautiful & stunning? But, at the time, we were both in relationships and living all over the US. Me in Pittsburgh and her in Nashville. It seemed that was the furthest from “meant to be” if you ask me.

Then, in 2023, a different wedding was on my horizon, another friend of mine, Noah Rosuck’s. At this point we were both single, and conveniently the wedding was where she just moved to, Peoria. I asked her to attend with me, and she was the absolute best wedding date ever. I thought the vibes were high and tried to shoot my shot by having her come out to Cincinnati and run a ½ marathon with me. Sadly, I missed, and if anything was there it fizzled out quickly.

Fast forward to 2024, ANOTHER one of my boys was getting married, Luke Daube, and he was having his bachelor trip in the Ozarks. Conveniently, once again, Holly was also going to be on the trip. She and I talked for hours during that trip, and in my head, I thought…….are the vibes back? Or will it fizzle out again? Well, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take – so I went for it. We started talking every day after that trip, but I was still out in Cincinnati…how would this work? Long distance with someone I barely know? A lot of questions, but I didn’t care because this felt different. It felt like…it was meant to be. So, I took another shot and drove out to Peoria. Initially I told Holly I was coming to Peoria to visit Noah Rosuck, but I just wanted to see her. We ended up going on our first date that weekend and the rest is history.

She is my rock, my love, and my best friend. No matter what path it took to get us to this point, it does not matter – because it was always meant to be.

Her Side:

I first met Chris at my sister and brother-in-law's conjoined bachelor/bachelorette party at The Ozarks. Although I really don’t remember any interaction between the two of us that entire trip; there is one specific moment that I have never forgotten. We were playing a game called “Most LikelyTo”; where a card is flipped over that has an action on it. The group then votes on a specific group member that they believe would be the most likely to do said action on the card. In this particular round the card stated “most likely to say they are going to climb Mount Everest… and ACTUALLY do it.” Within a split second all fingers were on this tall, redhead who was somehow already sunburnt even though the trip just started. At this point Chris shook his head and gave out a little chuckle as if saying “that's not true”. Charlie fired back in response stating “Dude you are the most motivated guy I know.” Chris humbly started denying the comment. Immediately, everyone began listing off examples to back up the statement. Motivational podcasts, workout competitions, academic achievements, something called “mamba mentality” which if you don't know what that is; just know it's very important to Christopher. As I am taking all this in, I was very impressed and thought “wow this guy seems like he always goes for what he wants. How inspiring.”

Fast forward to where this impression fits into our love story; but not how you would think….

The next real encounter we have is shortly after I move to Peoria. Chris and I had both recently gotten out of long-term relationships with other people. Chris seemed to be ready to mingle and I was very much NOT. He asks me to go to a friend's wedding with him and I say yes. (thinking I am making it crystal clear this was just as friends).

We have a wonderful time and in the months following the wedding it occurs to me that he is not really getting the friend memo. The determination I once admired is now backfiring as I am unsure how to let this really nice guy know that I am in no place to date anyone and quite frankly I don't think he was either. I confided in my sister and told her he was amazing with all of the qualities I would want in a partner but I was not ready for a relationship. After weeks of slow answering; he got the hint and communication ended.

Before we knew it another year had passed and we found ourselves in the same exact place that the story began; at Lake of the Ozarks at yet another bachelor/ bachelorette party. To be honest my nerves were up as I hoped he had not taken anything personally with how things ended. All of my worries vanished as every free moment was filled with talking, laughing, and bonding over random things with the guy I turned down a year prior. Leaving the weekend I was giddy with a crush and excited for the future.

Turns out he felt the same way and traveled to Peoria just two weeks later to take me on our first date. That next weekend I traveled to Cincinnati for our second date.

Like clockwork it became our new routine. Traveling never felt like a chore to either of us if it meant we got to spend one more day, hour, or minute together. Effortlessly, we put full trust into the relationship knowing that this was the plan all along. The past had to fail in order for the future to succeed. Although I give most credit to God; I have to give some kudos to the determination and dedication Chris has for things he wants.

The same characteristics that impressed and inspired me many years ago have brought me a relationship full of friendship, love, and trust that I have only ever dreamed of. Everyone who knows Chris would agree that he is one of the most all-in supportive friends you could ask for and that is no different in our relationship as he is truly the best partner each and every day. I am so grateful that I soon get to call this man full of strength, integrity, and compassion my Husband.

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