In the spring of 2022, I first met Mikey thanks to a Lenten small group. Funny thing is, I didn't really remember him at first, but looking back, I'm sure our meeting was God's providence. We both ended up on the Ephesians Three team (Newman’s weekly ministry) during the 2022-2023 school year, him being a senior and me a junior. But the official meeting happened at Albert Oakley Park in Columbia, Missouri, during a Mizzou Catholic welcome back event. We both ended up in the wrong place, thinking we were the only ones there. So, I suggested kicking a soccer ball. Our friendship continued to grow as he started joining me in the ministries I was part of—MARK (Mentors aiding refugees kids) and Life Teen—leading to us spending more and more time together. The suspicion that Mikey might be interested in more than just friendship grew when he added me on Goodreads. He asked me on a date following an Ephesians Three night, and we went to ShortWave Coffee. At the Cross Pointe Retreat Center, Mikey asked me to be his girlfriend. Mikey has been my rock. He's shown me how to find the best out of every situation and savor the beauty of living in the present. I love his heart for everyone around him, and I've loved growing in faith with him, especially during our St. Joseph consecration. He's my best friend, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. I am excited to be working my dream job as a Youth Minister in Flint Hill and moving to St. Louis suburbs. Thank you for being a part of our special day and for your continued love and prayers.

Emma and I first met at a Lenten Small group towards the end of the 2022 spring semester. I do remember this interaction, albeit short. We didn’t talk for months until we returned to Mizzou for the school year. Like Emma said, we both ended up in the place and she asked me to kick a soccer ball around. So, I abandoned my friend (sorry Danny!) to talk to this girl I did not know at all. We chatted and kicked for a bit until we realized we were in the wrong place. We both ended up on the Ephesians Three team (a weekly ministry at the Newman Center) and continued our relationship only then. The Porch (the house where Emma lived) hosted a party a few weeks later for the freshmen, and I convinced my friends to accompany me to a party where I basically knew no one. Emma asked if I wanted a tour of her house, which lasted all of 5 minutes. However, we ended up on the balcony outside of her room, just her and I, and talked for almost an hour. Two things happened here: 1. SHE ASKED ME TO ADD HER ON GOODREADS, and 2. I started having feelings for her. The following weeks, I made a plan to ask her out, and I succeeded. We eventually became official at a Newman Retreat, and the rest is history.

Emma brings out the best in me. She’s taught me how to truly serve others. She has shown me how to understand my emotions. Most importantly, she has been a glimpse of heaven. I am so excited to marry Emma and spend the rest of my life with her.