In the frosty days of January 2020, Darren and Cassidy’s paths converged at an apartment gathering hosted by a mutual friend at Butler University. Darren, already intrigued by Cassidy’s girlboss energy as she navigated the Lacy School of Business, found himself drawn to her. Their shared plans of summer internships in downtown Chicago ignited a spark between them.


But fate had other plans. March 2020 brought unexpected twists—school closures, canceled internships, and a pause on their budding connection. Yet, like a well-written love story, their tale wasn’t over. Fast-forward to August, when both Darren and Cassidy returned to Indianapolis. The warmth of bonfires, laughter-filled charcuterie parties, and Top Golf escapades rekindled their friendship. Darren, ever the gentleman, asked Cassidy on a formal first date. Armed with a potted plant (because he hadn’t yet bought a girl flowers), he swept her off her feet and wined and dined her at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.


Their relationship blossomed over dinner dates, shared bottles of wine, and late-night conversations. As they both graduated from Butler University, their paths led them to Chicago for their first post-grad jobs. Darren delighted in showing Cassidy his favorite hidden gems of his hometown. While Cassidy’s heart was not for the city life, she left half her heart in Chicago when she moved back home to Wisconsin a year later.

Countless weekend trips, heartfelt prayers, and many (many!) bouquets of flowers bridged the 108 miles between them. Then, on a sun-kissed day in Madison, Darren knelt down and asked Cassidy to be his forever. Their countdown began—a journey of faith, love, and the promise of a lifetime together.