June 27, 2020- where it all began:

Megan moved into an apartment complex in Fresno, CA to begin a new career as an Athletic Trainer for Fresno State Softball. It was 110 degrees on the day Megan moved to town so off she went to The Emerson apartment complex pool. While there, she struck up conversation with some other residents when in walks Phillip, this blonde-haired man in a neon pink bathing suit. He overheard the discussion going on between Megan and other residents of the complex (which was centered around how hard it is to find new doctors, tailors, nail places, etc. when one moves) and inserted himself in the conversation, immediately talking about how difficult it had been for him to find a new barber. He went on and on about his barber in Baltimore and how no one could compare to them. Megan and Phillip started talking on this day, over 4 years ago and haven't stopped. Somehow, Megan found herself intrigued by the blonde-haired man in neon pink trunks who couldn't stop talking about his hair.

June 28, 2020- the technical first meal:

Megan found herself at the pool again. Phillip was there too, another coincidence, with a work friend of his, Davey. Phillip was talking (bragging??) about how he had flank steak marinating in the fridge (and for those keeping track at home, yes, we have now touched on two of Phillip's top three favorite topics: hair and cooking) and how great it was going to be. Davey not-so-subtly invited himself and Megan to eat dinner with Phillip that night. Megan ran into another resident of the apartment, Jillian, who had just moved in that day and would be starting work with Megan at Fresno State as an Athletic Trainer alongside her. Megan invited Jillian to come for dinner too. Phillip ended up making excellent steak tacos for himself, Davey, Megan, and Jillian and the four of them spent the night drinking wine, eating, and getting to know each other in the kitchen of Phillip's apartment.

July 22, 2020- how the first date came to be:

By this time, Megan and Phillip had seen a lot of each other and spent most of their time crossing paths, either at work with Fresno State Athletics, or throughout the apartment complex (to note: Megan and Phillip's apartments were about 15 yards away from one another's). One evening, Megan and Phillip found themselves together, alone, at the pool (this love story apparently revolves around times at the pool). They both told themselves they were "tanning", but by this time it was 5pm and the UV index practically non-existent. Phillip began asking Megan (an incredibly picky eater) what foods he could make her that she would eat. This eventually led to Phillip asking Megan if she wanted to come over the next day and he would make her a homemade meal of chicken parmesan. Megan agreed. THEN Megan raced home, called Jillian and made her come over and they sat in the kitchen discussing whether or not this was intended to be a date. They also came up with code words for the following night so Megan could keep Jillian updated with how things were going.

**For all those asking- the code words/phrases were centered around Jillian asking if Megan wanted to make brownies. Megan's responses would clue Jillian in on how things were going:

"Sounds delicious!" - meant things were going very well

"Don't burn them!" - meant things were going poorly and Megan needed Jillian to help her come up with an escape plan

"You should actually make cookies"- meant this was not actually a date and they were just hanging out

July 23, 2020- the first date and first of many Phillip-cooked meals:

Megan went over to Phillip's apartment, as she had done many times before. But this time, there were no other friends coming with her. She was nervous but curious. Phillip was already cooking away. He made homemade chicken parmesan on a bed of noodles with what would become his famous asparagus. Megan and Phillip talked all evening and it really felt like the perfect first date.

December 24, 2021- the first time Phillip met Megan's family:

Phillip and Megan flew home to St. Louis, MO to spend a few days with her family. Phillip, knowing that Megan's family are avid Anheuser Busch drinkers, thanks to Megan's uncles job there, and also knowing that they wear Christmas sweaters and pajamas on Christmas Day, met Megan's family for the first time in a Bud Light ugly Christmas sweater. They spent Christmas with every cousin, aunt, and uncle, playing games, drinking, and having the best time.

January 1, 2022- the first time Megan met Phillip's parents and a lot of the infamous Blue Hens:

After spending time with Megan's family, Phillip and Megan then journeyed to Lititz, PA: Home of the Neslund family. Unfortunately, everyone ended up getting COVID the second day they were together and most of the time was spent quarantined in the basement. BUT, this did not stop the Neslund house from cheering on the Steelers, tasting tons of food through carry-out, and playing games together. Then, once everyone was feeling better, it was time for Megan and Phillip to journey to Philadelphia to attend the wedding of Tim (a groomsman) and Shan. This was Megan's first encounter with the Blue Hen crew and their plus ones and they did not disappoint. They danced, partied, and celebrated being together all weekend long.

February 26, 2022- the first night in their new home:

Fast forward- Megan had sent countless snapchats to her friends informing them that Phillip is "the one". Megan spent more time over at Phillip's own apartment than her own. With leases coming to an end, the decision was made to move in together. They found an incredible house in Clovis, CA on N. Bliss Lane and so began their chapter as "roommates".

August 18, 2023- the cross-country move:

Phillip had accepted a job as Director of Major Gifts with Virginia Tech Athletics. Phillip and Megan packed up the Mazda sedan and started their cross-country move back east, stopping to visit friends and family in Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Lancaster, PA. On August 26th they got the keys to their home in Blacksburg, VA and have fallen in love with the school, the town, and being so close to friends and family.

February 2, 2024- the proposal:

It was Megan's 30th birthday. The weekend was already planned. Megan was going to meet up with her college friends and sister, Erin (matron of honor), at a cabin in the mountains, go skiing, and just enjoy time together. Little did she know, Phil (and all of her friends) had other plans. After a long day of skiing, the group went out to the backyard to enjoy the scenery and the fire at sunset. Everyone was taking pictures. Suddenly, Phillip starts saying incredibly sweet things (that Megan doesn't actually remember because she figured out what was happening and immediately started crying) and then got down on one knee. It was the most special weekend with Megan's sister and friends, and it was a birthday she will never forget.

June 7, 2025- the wedding:

Now here we are. We have come a long way in our almost 5 year journey. We have grown and laughed and have fallen deeper in love that either one of us thought possible. We cannot express how much it means to us to have you be a part of our wedding day. Even if you can't make it to VA, just know that you have supported either one of us or both of us throughout our lives, and we are so grateful. We wanted our wedding to be a big party- the only time friends and family of both Megan and Phillip will be under the same roof- so take pictures, drink plenty, eat the ice cream cookie sandwiches, and celebrate a love so strong and beautiful. We are so happy you're in our lives.