Our Story
How We Met
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Tyler and I met in February 2019 during our sophomore year at the University of Illinois. A mutual friend introduced us during a sorority and fraternity exchange at Kams. After chatting with our friend for a few minutes, Tyler and I quickly slipped into our own conversation — one that lasted the entire night as our feet stuck to the beer- and Blue Guy–covered floors of the Kams basement.
At the end of the night, Tyler chivalrously walked me back to my sorority house and asked me out on a date the very next day. We went to a local coffee shop, where I was so overwhelmed by the menu that I panic-ordered a latte — even though I only ever drink black coffee. However, this nervousness quickly dissipated as we began chatting and any awkwardness faded away.
We started dating soon after, and it didn’t take long for me to realize how special Tyler is. I fell in love with his thoughtfulness, kindness, and fun-loving spirit that makes life brighter in every way. As we plan our wedding, I can’t help but feel so excited for our future and the incredible life we’ll build together.
From Tyler - The Engagement
What I thought was being sneaky couldn't have been more forthright. Back in January, I made plans to propose to Maddie on May 10th. While I obviously wouldn't spoil the surprise by telling her the when & where I'd ask her to spend the rest of her life with me, apparently, I was not so subtle. I've since been told that calling up your girlfriend to confirm she's free on a spring weekend 3 months from now (with no set plans for that weekend) was a gigantic tip-off.
My excitement grew in lockstep with each passing week.
May 10th was a Saturday, and by that Friday, I could hardly contain myself. Maddie usually arrives home from teaching around 5:00; at 4:30, I found myself racing to buy her flowers to set the tone for the weekend. What was the occasion, she asked? My rationale was simple: because I love you, so why not? I wasn't lying, of course, but she could see right through me. Her friends texted her that night to wish her good luck on the big day tomorrow.
We planned to have a picnic by the lake, and I thought a bottle of red would make nice company for the meat and cheese we packed in our cooler. Champagne, I thought, was too obvious, but I didn't stop to also consider that a full-bodied cab wouldn't be appetizing at noon on a warm spring day. I ran to the local liquor store to grab a chardonnay, and we were off. I packed the ring inside the cooler when she wasn't looking; luckily, I kept one element of this engagement a surprise.
I asked Maddie that day to be my forever "one and only", and I'm confident it has been, and always will be, the best decision I've ever made. We are both so excited to get married, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you on our special day.