In August of 2019, Katie arrived for her sophomore year at Illinois State University. Moving into her dorm, she was quickly introduced by her roommate to a group of "some weird guys" (thanks, Kristin!) from Neuqua Valley High School who lived across the hall. Among them were three new neighbors, plus their friend Luck, who practically lived with them. From the start, they all quickly became friends, but there was still one roommate yet to arrive—Matt.

Matt, not in the best mood for making new friends, wasn’t exactly eager to jump into socializing when he returned to school. That is, until Luck pulled Katie aside one night and said, "I want you to meet my friend." So at 2 in the morning, Matt and Katie met for the first time—and thankfully so. What started as a sleepy, awkward encounter quickly became the foundation of a friendship that neither of them expected.

From the moment they met in 2019 until today, Katie and Matt have built countless memories together with friends and family. From unforgettable trips to Las Vegas and Florida—where they made memories and tried new things—to cozy nights out with their closest friends, each experience has been one to cherish. Whether it was living across the hall from each other, across the street, or in different cities—from Northbrook to Naperville—they’ve always found their way back to each other.

Throughout the years, they’ve weathered the ups and downs of life together, growing stronger with each challenge they faced. They’ve celebrated new jobs, milestones, and special moments—always supporting one another through it all. From late-night talks to mornings spent enjoying the simple things in life, every day has been a testament to the love they've built.

Now, in their new home in Schaumburg, they look back on their journey with hearts full of gratitude, joy, and anticipation for what’s to come. Every laugh, every adventure, every quiet moment has led them to this beautiful chapter of their lives, and they are excited to continue writing the story together. The memories they've made have only deepened their bond, and they can’t wait to see what the future holds—together, hand in hand.