Sara and Tom’s love story began in the fall of 2012. Both were sophomores at Elon University, studying Exercise Science and living in The Oaks. Little did they know, a small package of saltines that had been slipped under Tom’s door would forever change their lives.

Their relationship started with many pranks and loads of goofy times. Tom had Sara convinced that he ran cross country, however he had never run a day in his life. Sara and her roommate (bridesmaid Jess) would take advantage of Tom’s unlocked suite and steal items for fun, simply trying to “mess” with him and his suitemates.

At first, neither really knew how they felt about one another but over time they slowly became inseparable. Sara and Tom had most classes together, so they spent their days completing homework and studying as a team. Of course, most of those times spent together were also shared with their good friend, LJ (groomsman), who was also in many of their classes. From trips to Dunkin’ Donuts to hot dogs at Late Night, the three had a lot of fun times.

Eventually, there came to be breaks in college...winter break, summer vacation, holidays. Yet Sara and Tom still found a way to see one another during those times. The biggest break, and by far the most challenging, was a semester abroad - but they survived! From then on, Tom and Sara were a true team; however, they didn’t put an official label on it until they had graduated from Elon.

After graduation, Tom and Sara moved back to Connecticut with their parents and found jobs for themselves. While life after college can be a bit too serious and dull, they managed to keep the excitement and thrill alive with their relationship. Not only were Sara and Tom both looking into graduate programs, they were also traveling, visiting friends and really getting to know each other’s families.

Flash forward to 2019: Tom graduated from the University of Hartford with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Sara graduated from Quinnipiac University with her Masters degree as a Physician Assistant. Both had accomplished some pretty huge things, but there was just one more step to take in order to have it all. In August, the Kirsch family and Boudreau family embarked on a once in a lifetime trip to Italy. While everyone else was in on the fun surprise, Sara had absolutely no clue what was about to happen. On the evening of August 15th, in the breathtaking wine vineyards of Tuscany, Tom asked Sara to be his best friend and partner for life. Sara gladly accepted, and the rest of the vacation was a true celebration of an amazing couple.

~ Written by Rebecca Ann Boudreau ~