We had our first date at the Newell House Grotto. Brian worked as a waiter in the restaurant upstairs while he attended SIU. Brian likes to tell people Amanda walked in, asked what the drink special was, and ordered it; a Bud Light draft. He didn't take her for a beer gal, but okay! It turns out we had a lot in common... favorite foods (Thai Taste, gummi bears), favorite hangouts (Tres Hombres, Hangar 9), and favorite local bands (Aaron Kamm and the One Drops, King Juba). This had definite potential.

We agreed to continue the date at The Hangar. There was no band that night and we were enjoying each other's company, so the conversation went well beyond the superficial first date topics. We both let our guards down because we felt very comfortable and at ease with with one another. That was refreshing! Before ending the first date, we headed down the street to Don Taco. Amanda ordered a couple of tacos right at closing time. Brian got to witness her inhale the two tacos like she would never eat again! Undeterred, he ended the night like a perfect gentleman, offering a hug, and loaning her one of his favorite burned CDs (perhaps returning the CD was his clever way of ensuring a second date?)

After moving in together, Brian quickly realized that the dogs ruled the roost, especially when he attempted to stop Juno from sleeping in the bed, just ask him, he loves telling the story. Those days still have a special place in our hearts, as Beavis and Juno are no longer with us. Our home now includes one dog and three cats: Scrappy, Dusty, Zena, and Rocky, and we continue to be devoted to them. Anyone who has been a guest in our home knows that we're passionate about our pets! Each one of them has their own personality, and their own place on the couch. If you have plenty time to look, most of the pictures on our phone will be of them.

Brian was in college when we met, Amanda went back to college a couple years later. There was a long period when we both worked in restaurants and our schedule was late night shifts, early morning classes, Internships, Fellowships, Graduate Assistantships, and never a weekend night off. Can you say stressful times? Three graduations later, those times seem a million miles away. Now, after those years spent sacrificing together, both of us can truly say we are working our dream jobs! It turns out, we make a pretty great team!

In our free time, our passions include music and going to concerts, travelling (especially to our favorite beach), collecting and sharing bourbon (especially with loved ones), gardening, cooking healthy meals and breaking a sweat together in our home gym. We love a fun night out, indulging in dinner at one of our favorite eateries and often going to see a live band. Other weekend favorites include movie nights on the couch with our Fur Babies or Fight Nights with our close friends and loved ones, dining on good food, and drinking our favorite drinks.

What does the future hold for us? We hope much more of the same because each day we take notice of the many things we are grateful for. We've carved out a life that we love and as we look ahead to our wedding, our hearts are full with love and gratitude. We are so blessed with beloved family and friends that we hold dear. We look forward to many years of memories with each other and all of you in the years to come .

To those dear to us, we can't wait to celebrate getting married with all of you! Thank you for being a special part of our lives, and the joy you bring to it!

Cheers!