Mike and Katie met in that classic, old-fashioned way (or what will be in 30 years from now) – on Hinge, the dating app! Katie wrote on her Hinge profile that she was “looking for someone to dominate in backyard games with,” to which Mike ever-so-humbly replied that he’d won his family bags tournament two years in a row. Game, set, match.


They had their first date at a rooftop restaurant in downtown Milwaukee in January 2021, and almost immediately, Mike and Katie began to find odd commonalities that further drew them to each other. A snowstorm cut the date short so Mike could get home before the roads got too bad, but in typical Katie fashion, she wanted to keep the party going and requested to be dropped off at a bar to meet up with her friends. Mike agreed and Katie knew at that very moment he was a keeper. 


As they went on more dates, their competitive sides really started to show. They went bowling, axe throwing, played rounds of darts and pool, and with each new game, Mike was reminded that trying to beat Katie would always be a challenge. 


Mike introduced Katie to many of the Wisconsin greats: pull tabs, shake of the day, bar dice etiquette (never load another man’s gun), old fashioneds (Brandy Sour only), Cousins Subs—the list could go on. One might say Mike has turned Katie into a true Wisconsinite. But don’t worry, she still holds strong in rooting for Chicago sports teams.


Mike moved downtown Milwaukee in May of 2021, less than two blocks away from Katie’s apartment at the time. They spent time meeting each other’s friends and family and making new friendships of their own within that first year. From weddings, to concerts, baseball games, skiing, football games, snowmobiling, beach volleyball, lake house visits and everything in between, Mike and Katie loved being together for it all. 


Fast forward to 2023—Mike and Katie moved in together in July, and Katie officially became a dog mom to Ike! They now spend their days playing lots of board games, binge watching the latest TV series, taking Ike on long walks, and exploring the dive bars in their neighborhood. 


Just as their love story began in Milwaukee, so will their marriage, and they can’t wait for everyone to be here to celebrate!