It all started when a young college freshman named Alice went to her first Intervarsity Christian Fellowship summer retreat. She was in line to go into a escape room, when her eyes fell upon a very handsome man. He was wearing a beat up red hat, a band tee, and jeans. Alice immediately thought "Wow...this guy is pretty cute. I want to be friends with him!" Alice walked up to him, and said "Hi! I'm Alice." The guy looked over at her for a moment, then glanced away. Alice was offended.

She walked away thinking "Tough guy, huh..." Then a few short years later, Alice and TJ actually had the chance to spark a friendship...

It all began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Alice created a group chat to play games virtually with her college friends. One of those "buddies" was TJ! Alice and TJ spent many hours that summer playing Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart, watching movies, and getting to know each other . TJ and Alice were very active in joining their friends online, and this allowed their friendship to grow.

The following academic year, TJ and Alice continued to spend more time together, but this time in person. One night, while watching anime, TJ asked Alice out on a date, and she shyly said... yes! TJ and Alice went on a few dates and it wasn't long until TJ asked Alice to make things official on October 18th, 2020 in a Walmart parking lot :D

TJ and Alice then spent the next few years navigating life together through long distance, new moves into the city of Chicago, and finally engagement! They have been through some of the most exciting and turbulent chapters of life together, but they can look back and treasure the time they spent together and how they've grown along the way.

We thank you all for accompanying us as we celebrate our love and look forward cheerfully to the wonderful life God has planned ahead for us.