OUR FIRST TIME MEETING: We met at Ozark Outdoors for a float trip with friends. Joe was invited by Arnes and Sarah was invited by Megan. We connected right away once we got to talking. We have different perspectives of how it all went down (see "How We Met"), but we both agree that we felt something there!

WHERE OUR STORY TOOK OFF: First things first, let's give credit to our friends for inviting us both to the float trip where we met and also for inviting us to the pool parties at their house on July 3rd and 4th where we rekindled that connection and took it from there! On that Monday evening on July 3rd, Sarah had a rough evening at work and almost did not attend. Luckily, Megan convinced her to come have a drink and hang out to decompress. When Sarah arrived, Joe was already there having a good time with friends. We spent the evening hanging out with everyone, having our own one-on-one conversations getting to know each other on the back deck, swimming together (including Sarah pushing Joe into the pool), sharing a first kiss near the kitchen, and cuddling on the couch. When it came time to part ways, Joe said "Hey babe, can I have your number?" We texted through the morning of July 4th and then agreed to hang out again at the pool party that day. From that day on, we have talked every day and continued to get closer and closer.

OUR FIRST DATE: We don't have a picture from this and we aren't exactly sure on the date- but this one had to be included. July 2017: First date at the zoo. Sarah over planned her day and could not make it home in time to meet Joe for the date, but didn't want to reschedule since she was about to go out of the country for a wedding. Joe was kind enough to pick her up at her grandparents' house to go on a date to the zoo, and he was surprised by meeting her mom and grandparents when he arrived. Thankfully, he still stuck around!

OUR FIRST WEDDING: We attended a wedding together for Sarah's coworker from Graybar and enjoyed slow dancing together on the dance floor!

OUR FIRST CONCERT: We saw Brad Paisley at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater!

MEETING THE GUCCIONES: Sarah met Joe's extended and out of town family when Charles and Amanda got married!

FIRST HOLIDAY WITH THE FAMS: We spent the holiday with each other's families during Christmas time '17!

MOVING IN TOGETHER: We can't be too sure of the exact date since it happened gradually, but the transition happened sometime between October 2017 and March 2018. Sarah's brother and sister-in-law stayed in her room at home while they were selling their condo and buying a new home. It started out with an overnight bag here or there and then eventually it just stuck. Kudos to John and Suzanne for being so welcoming and our favorite roomies!

OUR FIRST CARDS GAME TOGETHER: It has become a staple in our relationship and we love watching at home or going to games together.

OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We reminisced on the year we spent together and looked towards excitement about the future. We also enjoyed watching the Cardinals!

FIRST OUT OF TOWN TRIP TOGETHER: Memphis! Joe accompanied Sarah for a work training and they made the most of sightseeing and good BBQ together.

THE BLUES WIN THE STANLEY CUP: Watching St. Louis sports together is a favorite past time, so watching the Blues seal the deal in the 2019 playoffs and then celebrating downtown that night and at the parade shortly after was an enjoyable and memorable time together!

FIRST VACATION TOGETHER: We spent a week enjoying relaxation, delicious seafood and happy beach days at Redington Shores, FL. (And the start to Sarah sharing her travel bug with Joe!)

OUR 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We spent it in Florida lounging on the beach and eating delicious seafood for dinner.

MEETING MR. I: We met him at a chili cook off and UFC night at our friends' house. They were fostering puppies and we just fell in love. Joe nicknamed him Mr. I that evening after a friend's band, and we talked about bringing him home whenever the adoption event happened. It didn't seem like a real possibility at the time, but we were just drawn the little guy already.

ADOPTING MR. I: We went back and forth about whether it was the right time to adopt a dog (and it really was not), but ultimately we had to take Mr. home with us. After learning from our friends that the puppy litter was named after the Incredibles, and the sweet little black pup was named Mr. Incredible, we knew we had to have him. What are the odds of Joe calling him Mr. I and then his given name being Mr. I(ncredible)? Sarah was out of the country visiting friends in South Korea and going to Thailand, so Joe stepped up to complete the adoption paperwork and take him home. (Shout out to Suzanne for also stepping in majorly during that first week).

REUNITED: Sarah arrived home from Asia where Joe and Mr. I were waiting for her at home. Our family of 3 began and Mr. I became our sweet, spoiled fur baby who we treat like our child. We quickly learned that raising a puppy is pure chaos, and that it is so worth it!

OUR 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We spent it having lunch together and taking the pup with us to relax in the creek at Mastodon. There have been many afternoons spent here together and it has become one of our favorite date places (along with the zoo and Cards games).

OUR FIRST HOME: After deciding we were ready to start looking for our own place, we lucked out and had an offer accepted on this house pretty quickly. Our timing could not be any better, as this happened right before the housing market blew up. We are so in love with our little home, have made so many great memories there and plan to keep making more!

OUR 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We spent our anniversary at Mastodon during the day and to dinner in the evening.

OUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT: John and Suzanne made the move down south and we visited for the first time in January '22. It has now become on of our favorite places to visit, having the perfect combination of family quality time, doggy beach time, vacation vibes and a homey feel.

OUR 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: What better way to celebrate love than by feeding goats at Grants Farm by day and dressing up for dinner on the Hill by night?

TRIP WITH THE PARENTS: We are both very close to our families, so being able to combine them is very exciting to us. We talk all the time about how grateful we are that our parents get along so well. This trip to Diamondhead was such a blast, getting to spend time all together and having our parents get to know each other on a deeper level. The boys often spent time lounging with rum and cokes by the pool while the ladies ran off to find adventures together. We are looking forward to another adventure in Colorado with them together, and we may also plan another Rapisardo-Guccione beach trip as well!

OUR 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: This one was marked with backyard beers, bowling and Korean BBQ!

THE MICE GIRLS ERA: We went to the St. Ann PD Mouse Races as we usually do, but this year was different. Instead of just betting on mice, we actually ended up taking a few home as pets. After learning that these particular mice were unfortunately going to meet their fate the next day by being fed to a snake, we agreed to take some home. This led to the Mice Girls Era, where we have housed and cared for these 5 sweet mice babies (named after the Spice Girls of course- Baby, Scary, Posh, Ginger and Sporty) in their 4 story mansion, spoiled as all pets should be.

ADOPTING ANOTHER DOG: Meet James! We made the (somewhat impulsive) decision to add a new baby to our family. After bringing Mr. I to Stray Rescue and seeing how well they hit it off, we took him home with us. It's been quite an adjustment for him settling in to a home because he has been used to being a stray on St. Thomas all of his life and fighting for survival. Now we get to spoil the sweet baby and take him on adventures with his big bro, Mr. I!

WE GOT ENGAGED: Joe proposed in absolutely the most perfect way. It was a bit of a chaotic week (adopting a new dog and dog sitting for John and Suzanne just scratched the surface). We were laying in bed together in a pile of doggy snuggles and were talking about how happy we are together. Sarah started to fall asleep cuddling the dogs, and Joe snuck away to the other room. When Joe returned, he gently woke Sarah and handed her a few items, including dog treats for the boys. Joe had to remind Sarah to look at the other item, which was a handwritten note folded up. Sarah opened it and read the sweet letter which ended with "Please join me always and forever". After confirming that the answer was "YES", we both kissed, slow danced, and called our families to share the news.

OUR 7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We enjoyed a bowling date and going out to dinner. This was our first dating anniversary that we got to celebrate as an engaged couple!

RECEPTION BOOKED: Us all cheers-ing after touring the reception venue and signing a contract. After a lot of research and touring to find the perfect place that fits the vision, the budget and our needs for a reception space back home- Vue 17 was it! It is located right across from the St. Louis Galleria in the University Tower, all the way up on the 17th floor with a stunning view of downtown Clayton and downtown St. Louis (including the Arch). We can't wait to host you all for a celebration of our marriage. Save the date for August 22, 2026!

COLORADO TRIP WITH THE DOGS: We took a trip to Denver for an O.A.R. concert at Red Rock Ampitheater (which was amazing). The dogs were so good on the long trip and during the time there. We stayed at an Airbnb that was close to all of the spots we wanted to hit and perfect to wind down each day. We hit up Red Rocks for hiking with the dogs, Meow Wolf, thrifting and antiquing, dog walks in a park across the street, grilling on the patio and soaking in the hot tub. It was a wonderful 5 day trip all around.. and we loved our little wedding research excursion too!

CHECKING OUT THE WEDDING SPOT: We made the 1.5 hour trip from our Airbnb to Alma and Breckenridge to check out wedding spots. This picture shows us pointing to the spot where we will get married on August 1, 2026. We found the Airbnb and took a photo of us out front, but we cannot wait to explore the full property and find the exact right spot. We also explored Fairplay CO, which is the inspiration for South Park. Then, we headed to Breckenridge.

AFTER WEDDING DINNER: We ventured to downtown Breckenridge and explored the adorable town. We tried out the place where we had considered having our mini reception after the Colorado ceremony, and we definitely found it. We dined at Traverse Restaurant & Bar in Breckenridge and everything was FANTASTIC-- the food, the vibe and the view. We set a reservation for August 1, 2026 to enjoy dinner at sunset and then we will stay at The Lodge at Breckenridge for our wedding night, which is attached to the restaurant.

OUR 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Joey B's, followed by an evening at Swing-Around-Fun-Town. We indulged in go karts (twice), batting cages, and a competitive game of mini golf (Joe won). It was a blast!