It was the end of January 2015. Brad, inexplicitly a Bears fan, had come to his senses and moved to the good land of beer, cheese, and Packers - Milwaukee. Katie had already been home in Milwaukee for two years after college. On that cold January night Brad was going for some drinks with some friends and Katie was celebrating a friend's (Kylie - one of the bridesmaid) birthday. Both eventually ended up at the Harp Irish Pub where Brad's friend, Phil (one of the groomsmen) and another buddy joined in Katie's friends conversation. Katie was drawn to Brad's height at first sight and to Katie's surprise Brad got her sense of humor. Only Brad and Katie will know what they talked about that night, but it may have had something to do with Canada...to them it was a perfect conversation. At bar close, Brad got Katie's number and the rest is their history.

Brad and Katie met for a coffee date during the week, and learned how similar their paths were. Both originally from the Midwest had gone to school on the west coast. Katie went to California and Brad went to Hawaii. Both value family and friends. They went on their first official date on Valentine's Day. Brad likes to think he knew all along and chose this date as it is an easy way to remember their Anniversary! However, things didn't go quite as Brad planned with going to the movies that night unless they wanted to take the last two seats in the theater...on opposite sides. Brad was getting nervous then for a backup plan, but he learned in that moment Katie was the girl for him as she was willing to go with the flow and suggested going to play some games. They ended up playing pool at a local watering hole, known as Hosed for those from the Milwaukee area. Let's just say there is free popcorn here and of course Taylor Swift played that night. Katie may have learned a little too early about Brad's crush! They went to Buca di Beppo for dinner and enjoyed plenty of pasta and prosecco. The dates continued with going to Marquette and Bucks basketball games, Admirals hockey game, and eventually Summerfest concerts. Soon they met the families and said those three little words. After that they began traveling the world with each other.

One of their favorite trips, not too far from Milwaukee, is Door County. Brad and Katie have a tradition of stopping at a beer tap room in Algoma, getting ice cream at Wilson's, and taking a picture in the giant chair. They never have to have a plan as long as they get to spend time together. On November 17, 2017 Brad completely surprised Katie in Peninsula State Park, Door County by getting down on one knee. Katie was in shock that she ended up joining him on the rainy ground of the park as you can see in the pictures. Thanks to Tyler (a groomsmen!) and his wife, Jess, the moment was captured. Brad and Katie celebrated by going to Door County Brewery and cannot wait to celebrate with everyone on June 1st!

Thank you for joining in the celebration of our wedding! We cannot wait to dance the night away and eat lots of cake with you!