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 and fun but not exactly magical. When summer rolled around and Amanda made her yearly trek to her happy place (Charlotte), they organically drifted apart. 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

In October of that year (2019), Amanda had plans to run in the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben. As he lived just a few miles from the starting line, Amanda asked Mark if she could crash on the couch the night before. Mark agreed (and let her take the bed). He also drove her to the starting line and on impulse gave her a kiss for luck, a kiss that lingered longer than either of them expected. Within a week, they were officially dating.

Amanda & Mark's first holiday as de facto roommates

THE PANDEMIC

When the world shut down in 2020, Amanda and Mark found themselves locked down and living together after a mere six months of dating. While the world stood still, they built a world of their own: cooking elaborate meals, planning themed movie weeks, playing games, and enjoying "date night" — night after night after night. By the time the lockdown was lifted, Amanda and Mark found themselves not wanting to be apart; their nascent dating relationship had transformed into committed love.

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, kindness, loyalty to those she loves, capacity for silliness, and willingness to try anything once.

THE PROPOSAL

In the summer of 2023 (after getting the blessings of two supremely important gingers), 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, family dinners & vacations, 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.

Love,

Amanda & Mark

Also, one more great thing about the wedding... it's yet another reason to love October!