We met on an online dating app. Our first date was at a local coffee shop. Although we talked through the app prior to meeting, we instantly clicked when we met in person. We hate to sound cliche but it truly felt like love at first sight. Our first meeting felt like catching up with a long lost friend - everything felt so comfortable and easy. At the end of our first date, we both decided we wanted to see each other again soon. Kathy was home from grad school over her spring break, so we made plans to meet again before her break was over. Our second date was at a local pour house where we shared a flight of beer. We ended up leaving the pour house at close with plans to see each other again soon.

Mike developed a knack for planning the most amazing dates - whether it was visiting a museum, walking through the city, catching a firework show at Navy Pier or trying out a new coffee shop. Every date was just as exciting as the first -and even now - every moment we share is just so special! From what started off as a couple fun dates, blossomed into a beautiful relationship between two best friends. What else could we ask for than to marry the love of our lives and best friend!

We love to travel and have already visited so many places together (and still plan on visiting more)! One of our planned trips was to visit Iceland. We planned a road trip across the country staying in a different city each night. It was an absolutely beautiful and unforgettable trip! On our first day in Iceland, we started off our road trip along the Southwestern coast. One of our last visits of the day was Seljalandsfoss - a beautiful scenic waterfall. Even though the weather wasn't cooperating, we decided that we had to climb behind the waterfall to admire the beauty of it!

During our trek behind the waterfall we were drenched from the winds and spray. We made our way down, and as we stood at the bottom of the waterfall, Mike started reminiscing about our relationship. He spoke of all of our sweet memories and how this trip was just another to add. By the end of his speech, the weather had cleared, the sun was visible and Mike had gotten down on one knee and proposed! Mike built it into the most perfect moment. Of course, Kathy said YES!

Our first visit to Maui was on a vacation with Kathy's family. With it being our first time in Maui, we all absolutely fell in love with the Island. During our time in Maui, we made so many beautiful memories as a family and this Island became such a special place for the both of us. We decided on a destination wedding shortly after our proposal and we both knew that we wanted to celebrate our love in a place that we both recently fell in love with, with the people we love most.