THE SET-UP

Our story began with a wedding. A wedding with a reception at which Mark was seated across from Amanda's best friend and her husband. A wedding of mutual friends at which—for some unfathomable reason—Mark impressed Amanda's best friend enough to suggest a blind date.*

Amanda's best friend had never before tried to set her up having previously insisted, “no man is good enough” for her. Intrigued, Amanda accepted.

*it is said that Mark left an impression on the other attendees as well, just not one that led them to set him up with their best friends.

THE DATE

Mark and Amanda's first date was in 2018 at the now-defunct HopCat (RIP their glorious Cosmik Fries and Pretzel Nuggz). There was beer, grilled meat, fried food, and NCAA basketball on a dozen screens: the quintessential Indiana experience. It wasn’t love at first sight, but the conversation was good and by the end of the evening, Amanda was fairly sure that Mark wasn't going to murder her in the parking garage as she went to her car. [Spoiler alert: he didn't]

HopCat in Broad Ripple. Rest easy, old friend.

THE PAUSE

Several other dates ensued, all in Broad Ripple, all of which were pleasant but not magical. When summer rolled around and Amanda made her yearly trek to her happy place (Charlotte), They organically drifted apart and went their separate ways. In the fall, Amanda and Mark began meeting up at restaurants for the occasional meal, settling into a comfortable friendship.

Amanda & Mark at the Heart and Joan Jett concert at Deer Creek

THE CONCERT

Fast forward to the summer of 2019... Mark found himself in possession of two concert tickets and needing someone to accompany him. He asked Amanda to go. She said yes. They had a great time. He started looking at her a little differently. But did she feel the same way? Surely not. [Spoiler alert: she did]

So, like nearly all friends-turned-lovers rom-coms ever made, neither of them said anything to each other about how their feelings had changed, not wanting to ruin their friendship.

THE KISS

Kiss

Amanda loves Mark’s sharp intelligence, soft heart, and a sense of humor that swings from dry and sarcastic to adorably goofy.

Mark loves Amanda’s strength, passion, and, in his words, “her ability to ride me hard and put me away wet” — which, if you know us, sounds about right.

THE PANDEMIC

When the world shut down in 2020, we found ourselves living together — ready or not — and learning that we were even better as a team than we imagined.

It wasn’t love at first sight — it was a slow burn. For eighteen months, we shared dinners, movies, concerts, and countless conversations. Then, in the most unexpected way, the COVID lockdown turned casual connection into committed love. While the world stood still, we built a world of our own: cooking elaborate meals, planning themed movie weeks, playing games, and enjoying "date night" — night after night after night.

THE PROPOSAL

In the summer of 2023, Mark whisked Amanda away to Chicago under the guise of a birthday celebration and a Lionel Richie concert. The weekend kicked off with dinner at North Pond, a Michelin-starred restaurant — and while Amanda had a hunch something might be up, the night ended with just good food and wine.

But when they returned to the hotel, Amanda opened the door to a path of rose petals, chocolate-covered strawberries, and chilled champagne. Mark sat her down and serenaded her with Lionel Richie’s You Are before dropping to one knee. Amid happy tears, Amanda said “Absolutely!” followed quickly by “Are you sure?” and then “Oh my God” on repeat for the next 48 hours.

THE FUTURE

We're so excited to begin this next chapter together — not just as partners, but as family. We’re looking forward to a lifetime of karaoke duets, Sundae’s ice cream runs, road trips, belly laughs, and growing old side by side.

Thank you for being a part of our story. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.