It all started in December of 2019 when we were introduced at the NCAA Final Four in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was clear something felt different, almost as though we had known each other before. While there seemed to be a natural curiosity, we returned back to our lives and our relationship began as friends. As time continued on we would connect through volleyball and our friendship grew while navigating coaching through the pandemic. The challenges we both faced helped build a level of comfortability and trust within our relationship, something that we continue to cherish to this day. That foundation of our friendship was tested nearly two years later. At the time we had no idea that Connor and Lizzy Wexter were mutual friends of ours until we both were invited to their wedding in Chicago. It was the first time we had spent time together at a non-volleyball related event and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Or as Austin put it at the end of that weekend, “I like you, and I think you like me too.” It was very clear in a short period of time that our connection was something special, something we'd regret not going all in for. So we committed to a long-distance relationship for the year while we continued coaching at the University of Delaware and Loyola University of Chicago. Over the next year we devoted all the spare time we had to visiting each other and building our relationship. Despite the distance, it was evident our lives were "Better Together." A special year we will always cherish; filled with some of our favorite first times. The next chapter in our story began when Austin moved to Chicago in December of 2022. Two months later he planned an early Valentines Day celebration that recreated some of our first memories together in Evanston, IL. That day, February 12th 2023, was the start of our forever. An unusually warm and sunny winter morning was spent grabbing coffee at Philz and walking along Lake Michigan. Early in our relationship, we would walk that path to get to know one another. One of our first walks led to a favorite joke between us when Sondra asked Austin if he wanted to go all the way on the walk. Although she was referring to the length of the walking path, whenAustin got down on one knee it felt as though that "all the way" moment was becoming even more real in asking for her hand in marriage. We absolutely laugh about it now; but in that moment we both were feeling nothing but joy, love and our souls at peace. We continue to grow in that love and with God everyday as we getting closer and closer to saying I do. We hope you join us in counting down until we get to celebrate with the people we love most on May 4th, 2024. #MTFBWY #THATSAMORE

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