Kim’s side of the story:

I tried to find “the one” through various sites. My conclusion.. some of these sites are just crap! First there was Plenty of fish.. but let me tell you, it should be more appropriately named “plenty of creeps”. I got called a little “snow bunny”, because ya know, I’m white. And once in a while, asked what my interests are, because seldomly does that matter now a days. Next, was coffee meets bagel.. well rarely did we make it to coffee lol! After some more fails, I finally decided to give it one last ditch effort, and joined bumble, to find the “bee to my hive”. That’s where I met andrew. On bumble, the girl messages the guy, and frankly, being the control freak I am and super blunt person I decided to go with it. I found the typical, “tall, dark and handsome” type. But I came across someone that was not so my type, but a pretty killer smile... that was andrew! I swiped right on him, because you know, that’s what you do when you like someone. And we matched! And so the wait began, do I message him or not? Andrew was cute, accomplished, and kinda nerdy looking. Needless to say, not my type. So I just let him sit in my matches, until the 24 hr time limit ran out. Then there it was, an alert that came from the site, saying Andrew had paid to extend our match time and to make himself move to the top of my matches. Now I had to message him. So I did, after all, the guys I was typically into, were NOT winners. the conversation started off with thanking him for extending the time and quickly switched over to our love for cooking and cupcakes! We shared our interests, our goals, and what we were ultimately seeking. ALL of which matched. Then was the decision to meet in person, for a first date. This seemed promising, as Andrew seemed like a genuinely good guy. And so came the first date...

Andrew's Side of the Story:

A little while after becoming single again I decided to try my luck again in the online dating world. First eharmony and match.com proved to be a waste of time and money. After having multiple nights of staring at my phone waiting for a response after multiple cheesy and cringey conversation starters I said "SCREW THIS" and said goodbye to paying for dating sites for good! I ventured into the free dating apps but was smart enough to avoid Tinder as we all know what it is mainly used. I tried Hinge and coffee meets bagel at the same time but was left with the same empty feeling of unresponsive matches and at times being ghosted all together. In a last attempt before giving up on social life in Illinois and moving to a different state, I joined bumble and prayed! After swiping for what seemed like years, I came across a beautiful blonde with a gorgeous smile and holding a dog. That woman was Kim and I was overjoyed that we matched; however, the real praying began as I had to wait to for her to initiate the conversation. After the 24 hours were up I wasn't ready to give up and extended the conversation for another 24 hours. That initiative was enough to capture her attention and receive a response from Kim! We went on to share our love of cupcakes and coffee and what we wanted in our lives. The conversation with her was easy to enjoy and made it an obvious choice to ask her to a first date. I think it went okay........

Kim's Side of the Story:

After some frustration with our attempt at initially meeting on a Monday, I agreed to give this man another chance. Andrew was my third date of the day, I suppose one could say, "save the best for last". As the time grew closer, I had my reservations about this date and considered canceling. I was speaking to my Momma (my grandma) on the phone, and she quickly put me in my place. She reminded me that Andrew, "seemed" different than the others and she just had "this feeling" I should go on the date. After that conversation, I started to get ready for my date at the Cupcake shop. I was driving there, having myself my own private dance party, as I pumped myself up for this meeting. After, all, there would be a variety of cupcakes there.. and that made me excited! I texted Andrew, and we got out of our cars, giving that awkward first hug. We walked in the cupcake shop, called Stellas, when we were greeted at the door. The lady asked for our IDs, which was kinda bogus and a little overkill for a cupcake shop. We were led past the bar, where we would order what our taste buds desired, and brought to a room. Was this the end? Was his plan to kill me? Nope. He looked ashamedly at me, as we both discovered that this was NO CUPCAKE shop, but rather, Stella's, the CASINO. I could tell he felt stupid, for not knowing. So being the sucker I am for free stuff, I suggested we take advantage of the free beverages we were offered, after the staff discovered that they mislead us as well. Andrew hesitantly agreed. We grabbed our drinks and sat. This easy sense of comfort came about as we started to converse. Finally! Someone who talks just as much as me! I was mesmerized by Andrew's openness, his willingness to go with the flow, to laugh, and most importantly to flirt. But, I secretly liked it. As the night grew late, Andrew walked me to my car, grabbing both of my hands, telling me that he would like to take me to dinner next week, locking in a second date right then and there. And just like that, he leaned in and gave me the kind of first kiss that makes you have butterflies, the kind of kiss that you read in storybooks, the kind of kiss where you can't wait for the next time. How could I not say yes? And so the dates continued, he was something, and I couldn't put my finger on it. He was charming, a gentleman, and we had fun walking Woodfield mall, walking Dick's sporting goods, and exploring Busse Woods. The conversation was never dull, and I was growing more intrigued with him as the dates went on... and so I began to fall in love.

Andrew's Side of the Story:

Our first date started off with confusion and miscommunication. Our first attempt at meeting was a fail. After a busy day at work, I didn't respond too much throughout the day. Apparently, misleading her, and causing me to be left alone at stella's. I reached out again wanting to go on a first date, she thankfully said yes! However, the second try at the first date at stella's did not go as planned. We got there and I met up with Kim, who was wearing her store bought ripped jeans, with a black top and light brown leather jacket. She looked stunning, and I was all smiles as I greeted her and hugged her. When we walked into Stella's the suspected coffee shop asked for ID's and that is when I put it all together that this was in fact not a coffee shop, but a mini-casino. I then look around attempting to try and figure out where else we could go, in order to salvage this date and save the very little pride that I had left. While all that is happening, the bartender (probably out of pity) offered us round of free drinks. I agree with Kim and we finally sat down and started talking. The best part of the whole night was how easy it was to talk to her, and feeling like I've know her for years not minutes. I was open and honest, because that is who I am.. and at that point I had nothing to lose, so I went for it. We talked what seemed like 5 minutes but turned out to be 90! I didn't want to leave, at all, but I didn't want everything out there on the first date. We held hands, walking out and I kissed her good night, all while then asking for a second date... because I really wanted to see where this would go. What I loved about the next few months was how it continued to be what I love now about how we spend our time together; the simple dates of going to the mall to walk, walking busse woods, and goofing around together.

Kim's Side of the Story:

I remember waiting. And waiting. And waiting. We had looked at many rings, many styles, and many types. SO MANY CHOICES! I hate choosing. On one hand, do you go with simple, to stand the "test of time"? How about the big Kahuna, saying, "look at me I'm engaged"? The small one that says, "I don't need a big ring to know that he loves me", after all would I look greedy? Man, I don't want him going in debt over something that I am not going to even take to heaven with me when I'm dead. So what do I do?! Why was he giving me a choice? As much as I love Andrew, this dude is wayyyyyy too selfless, and sometimes just needs to tell me what I'm gonna get. But then again, would that be Andrew? Andrew studied me, he watched my reactions when I tried on rings, he was patient, but yet he knew me so well. He knew I would change my mind a million times, he knew, that me and my 5 personalities could not "get it together" and decide. So thankfully, he put his foot down, and told me, "no more looking". I obliged, after a few more back an forths. Fall is my favorite season, I really just love everything about it.. the leaves, the apple ciders, the cooler weather, and the clothes! I just loved it.. best of all Thanksgiving! At the Eagan Household, we were preparing for our annual celebration.. the nacho bar, the crackers and cheese, the dinner, and the deserts!!! Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate. I just loved it. Andrew was a big help, as he did more of the heavy lifting around the house, in preparations. Sure enough, we forgot something, so off to Jewel we went. Our plan was to escape the chaos and hike. After some last minute shopping, Andrew suggested that I show him Lilacia Park, 2 min from my house. I told him that we better drop the food off first, but he insisted. Fine, I wasn't gonna argue. So while walking Lilacia, we decided to pull out our beloved game, Pokemon Go! Man the pokemon were kickin' that night! Finally, there it was, a Bulbasaur, didn't have one of those! And I caught him, I started celebrating, when Andrew grabbed my hand. Why the Heck was He shaking? I knew it was cold, but really, no need to shake and then start studdering. Andrew started out with what seemed like a blurb of words, it went something like this, "Kim, minnnnoooo burrrrr, blurrrr love you burrr bla, Will you Marry me?" I had to do a double take, and asked "wait what?" And Andrew repeated himself, pretty sure he didn't repeat himself fully before, I hugged and kissed him, nearly breaking him, because that would happen to me! Then Andrew let go, (why would he let go), and asks, "Do you want to see the ring?" Secretly, I forgot about that small detail, I was just super stoked that he wanted me! But, I was curious. And boy was it a Beauty!!!! So, naturally we went back to my parents to make our grand entrance and to show off my new and forever, "accessory"!

Andrew's Side of the Story:

As people who know Kim well, she sometimes has a hard time making up her mind. After the seeing face when she found "THE RING" I had to make a move and snatch it up before someone else does! Now it was time for a plan to actually propose. I had to be ready with multiple sets of ideas because a plan can change, which definately keeps life fun and interesting with her! As thanksgiving came closer it became clear that with it being her favorite holiday that it would be perfect to associate us getting engaged with thanksgiving. As we were coming back from the store an opportunity came for us to go for a walk together at Lilasha Park. She immediately brings out her phone to play the game we both enjoy playing together, Pokemon Go. It wasn't the prettiest day or the warmest but she looked beautiful that day in her winter hat coat. With the ring in my pocket I finally turned around to her and started to try to pour my feelings out to her and eventually popped the question. She said yes and its a day I will never forget!

Dearest Loved Ones,

We are super STOKED to share our BIG day with you!!! Andrew and I both love that we can have a big celebration, to celebrate us and most importantly FINALLY getting our HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

Andrew an I have both had some doozy of relationships, to say the least. But in reminiscing, we both agree, it was worth it! I think Andrew and I would also say that our story is nothing that is of coincidence, but rather GOD and HIS PLAN. There are wayyy too many intricate details, colliding of our worlds, and just weirdness, that it was nothing short of GOD. We are super grateful to be given each other as partners that are in this for LIFE, and fully intend on honoring God in our marriage. We know that as two imperfect people, we cannot be successful in marriage alone. But we are so glad to have found our Perfectly Imperfect Match! We would appreciate all of the prayers as we embark on this journey called, Marriage, and truly discovering the essence of partnership. "I have found the one whom my soul loves" Song of Solomon 3:4

Andrew and I dream of having our big day filled with love, celebration, a few drinks and a lot of DANCIN'! And Frankly, I think after this COVID Crisis, we all need it! So what better way to start the new year of 2021 with our Happily Ever After!!

Each one of you, have a special place in our heart! And it is only right that you would be there with us, to start our new Journey! Just don't forget your Dancing Shoes!! Thanks for celebrating with us.

With so much gratitude & Love,

Andrew and Kim

#eagangotmauled