In January 2023, Audrey and Nick quietly met through the Catholic Newman Clubs at Pitt and Carnegie Mellon. Their paths crossed during CMU Newman's weekly "Chit Chats" event, where Fr Reed Frey was leading discussion on John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Audrey, invited by her friends Regan and Sarah, found herself drawn not only to the engaging topics but also to Nick (initially unbeknownst to him). What started as a weekly club event became a chance to see him, and their connection grew from there.

As the weeks went by, Nick and Audrey’s conversations grew deeper during the walks home from each session. A quiet (not really; it was pretty obvious by April) crush developed between them, though it remained unspoken. However, Nick was discerning a monastic vocation and had plans to spend time at the the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico in May 2023. "Objectively higher state of life" language aside, the day Nick came back from New Mexico, he asked Audrey out on their first date.

Their first date began after a Monday 5:15 Mass at the Oratory, with dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant in Shadyside. They explored the neighborhood and visited Sacred Heart Church, where their conversations about faith deepened their connection. The night ended on a parking garage rooftop, watching the sunset. A second date followed at a park in Schenley Heights neighborhood (the spot where Nick would later get down on one knee!).

Audrey then left for a week-long family trip to Yosemite, and the distance gave some space for reflection. Upon her return, Nick asked Audrey to be his girlfriend and they walked home in the rain for the first of many times (thank you, Pittsburgh weather).

Their story evolved through day trips to Washington, D.C., family gatherings, and a shared faith journey. They navigated college life and their commitment grew, supported by family, friends, and their faith. Even halfway (a quarter of the way?) around the world on separate trips to Italy, they ran into each other, something all too easily taken as a sign of something more.

Soon enough, Nick was planning his proposal (and was pretty bad at keeping a lid on things). Although he initially planned for the end of summer, a canceled Ancient Greek class allowed for an earlier engagement. On June 27, the Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Nick proposed in the park where they had their second date, and Audrey’s “yes” marked the beginning of their forever.

Since then, they have been preparing for marriage with intention, prayer, and gratitude with a lot of lattes and cappuccinos as they finish the final semesters of their undergraduate degrees. As they approach their wedding day, they appreciate your prayers for the next chapter.