The Beginning:

It was February of 2023 and after sending ever longer messages late into the night, Dom and Katie met in a cafe in Eau Claire. A "coffee date" turned into closing the cafe down and a bowling date as neither wanted the time together to end! While they lived an hour away from each other while Dom was in Rice Lake, more long dates, FaceTimes from Hawaii, and late night gif battles harvested a connection neither had experienced before.

The Center:

From the beginning, Dom and Katie talked about the importance of faith and keeping Christ at the center of any relationship they entered. The next two years brought plenty of ups and downs, but through them, Dom and Katie learned to lean on God and each other in incredible ways!

Katie got to meet and develop a bond with Dom's wonderful son, Elias! They often can be found running around a park, coloring, or baking together. All three worked together to build a fence over the summer, which Katie's dog Percy and Dom's dog Tate have thoroughly enjoyed alongside their humans! The family-to-be loves spending time together doing everything from hiking to raking (and jumping in) leaves to playing video games.

Through illness and adversity, God has provided time and time again. While Katie nor Dom could've predicted the events of the last couple years, they are beyond thankful for all the blessings that have come through.

The Next Step:

Dom proposed on November 21 after an early Thanksgiving dinner with Elias. While Katie and Elias watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Special, Dom set up candles, pictures, and set music to play when Katie came upstairs! While the two had been talking marriage and Dom had hinted that he had a ring, Katie was awestruck as they slow-danced to "Can't Help Falling In Love".

Dom got on one knee, pulled Elias close, and asked Katie: "Will you be my husband?"

Startled, and figuring it was a joke, Katie stuttered, "Sure, anything!" Dom realized his mistake and corrected to 'wife' as he slid the gorgeous ring on Katie's finger!

As they pulled Elias in for a hug, he asked two questions they didn't have the answer to then, but do now! "When is this happening?" (May 3rd, 2025!) and "Where is this happening?" (Lilydale Dance Hall in Chippewa Falls!)

Dom and Katie (as well as Elias) are so excited to officially be a family and hope to celebrate with you soon!