SJ "liked" Megan's profile on Hinge (dating app). Started talking on 12/28/2021 and within the next two weeks realized that there were several mutual friends between the two of them. SJ asked Megan out on a date and she turned him down (she was busy and wasn't quite sure about going on a date yet). They talked on the phone on 1/12/2022 and then went on a first date (Thyme in Peoria) on 1/13/2022.

Went on their first day trip to Naperville because Megan's favorite flavor (Peanut Butter Cup ft. Reese's) was at Crumbl Cookies that week. Went to Lou Malnati's for lunch, IKEA, then got cookies, and home by 9:00 PM. SJ asked Megan to be his girlfriend that night.

Finley and Gunner met for the first time on Finley's 2nd birthday! Gunner was not a big fan of Finley's playful nature at first, but they have come a long way and are best buddies now!

Megan hosted the BCDI (her previous job) Book Club at her house and SJ came over towards the end and was interrogated by the girls. That night they said "I love you" and Megan 100% meant it when she said it back after watching him survive the Book Club girls!

First Valentine's Day together and they went to Generations Candle Co. and made candles and then to SJ's house where he fixed dinner.

Celebrated SJ's 33rd birthday in St. Louis!

Went to a St. Louis Cardinals game with Glen (SJ's best man) and Kass. Go Cubs!

Went to Milwaukee for a concert - favorite part was Dan & Shay singing "Glad You Exist," which has been a favorite since the relationship started.

Celebrated their favorite holiday (tied with Christmas) with lots of fun plans with friends.

Celebrated Megan's 27th birthday with a weekend packed with plans!

SJ's neighborhood block party the day before he left for a 2 week work trip in England followed by a few days spent in Chicago for work.

SJ was the best man in Glen and Kass's wedding right after he returned from his work travels.

SJ's patent ceremony for Caterpillar. He currently has 13 patents granted and 6 pending approval!

Spent a long weekend in Tennessee. Allison (Megan's sister and maid of honor) met SJ and Megan there. She is a senior at the University of South Carolina and graduates one week before the wedding (5/6/2023)!

Started doing house projects at SJ's. They knew they planned to get married and want to live in SJ's house together one day!

SJ left for a 2 week work trip in Germany and France. Megan hung out with Gunner and Finley during that time.

Went to Iowa to see Megan's grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles for Thanksgiving.

Day trip to Chicago for the Christkindlmarket and Lou Malnati's pizza.

Celebrated Christmas Eve with SJ's family and Christmas with Megan's family!

ENGAGED!!! The ring had been hidden in SJ's closet since September 2022. SJ took Megan to Thyme in Peoria for dinner (exactly 1 year after their first date) and then they went to her house and he asked her to marry him right where he first told her he loved her.

First session of engagement photos by Karson Hafele. Also confirmed the wedding date not long after. 5/13/2023 will be here so soon!!!