We're getting married!

Kate and Corey’s story began when they both ventured out-of-state to become Buckeyes in Columbus, OH. Throughout their college years, their paths crossed in many ways. They certainly visited the same campus watering holes: Too’s, The O, and Bernies (may they all rest in peace). In 2013, Kate was the Dream Girl of Corey’s fraternity where she successfully spelled things on banners and t-shirts, crafted wooden Greek letters, and made a few thousand Jell-O shots for the men of Pi Kappa Alpha. Corey was also living his best life: primarily drinking those Jell-O shots, changing his major for the 5th time, and building great calf muscles walking backwards giving campus tours. They knew of each other, but ran in slightly different circles. Corey graduated in the spring of 2014 and started working in Columbus, so he got that college "Victory Lap" after all. Kate was very much enjoying her senior year, always willing to host a cast of characters at her apartment (nicknamed The Speakeasy) for games, movies, and tailgates. One of these characters ended up being her future fiancé. The first time Kate and Corey can remember sharing real quality time together was commiserating after Ohio State’s embarrassing loss against Virginia Tech in 2014. Not only was this the beginning of their courtship, but it also was the start of Ohio State’s journey to win the national championship. Coincidence? I think not.

Kate and Corey shared truffle fries on their first, unplanned date at Arch City, and the evening was so wonderful that Kate ended up cancelling her plans to watch the legendary male-stripper movie, Magic Mike with a friend. Come spring, Kate graduated and headed home to Chicago, the two parting ways with the understanding that while they enjoyed each other’s company, neither thought their relationship at the time was anything serious. Over the next several months, they found themselves still texting and sending GIFs, except for a week after the Cubs knocked the Pirates out of the MLB playoffs. Kate invited Corey to hitch a ride with a few other Buckeyes coming to the lake house for a summer weekend. After that, and a few weekend getaways in Indianapolis, they knew it was something serious after all. Kate and Corey dated long-distance for two years until Corey had an opportunity to transfer to Nationwide’s Chicago office. Since that time, they have built an incredibly happy life together. From enjoying bike rides along the lakefront trail, attending many Broadway shows together, to boating around the Chain O’Lakes, they continue to be as adventurous as can be. Even with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate and Corey found a way to go ring-shopping - despite the chaos of the world, they found happiness in each other. Corey schemed and brought Kate to the museum campus downtown Chicago, where she suggested they walk around outside until their entry time for the Shedd Aquarium. With friends hiding behind trees, Corey got down on one knee and proposed. Kate said yes and tackled him with a hug. A few Smirnoff Ice’s and glasses of champagne later, they went and sat by the beluga whales as the newly engaged Kate Noreen and Corey Spindler. They are so excited to celebrate their special day with the friends and family who mean the most to them!