In the fall of 2002, we both began studying at Macalester College in St. Paul, with Casey transplanting herself from distant Washington state and Brandon making only the fifteen minute move from nearby Eagan.  During our first year at school we never got to know each other---even though we ran into each other a few times and shared some mutual friends.  But we both took an interest in the Classics early on---Brandon took Latin, Casey took archaeology---and thus began a collision course toward love.  (Please forgive the cheesiness.)

In January of 2004, the Classics department sponsored a trip to Rome to learn about the art, archeology, and architecture of the Roman empire.  We both went along.  It is there---as we walked the romantic streets of that ancient city--- that we got to know each other and began falling for each other.

Our dream-like time in Rome soon ended, and our fledgling romance might have.  But Brandon began to lay on the charm---visiting Casey at her work study job in the library, giving her chocolates on Valentine's Day, and even working to get in good with her roommate Emiko.  It took a few months of flirtatiousness before we finally made it official and began dating in March of 2004.

Soon after we began dating, we faced the prospect of prolonged time apart.  The school year was ending, and Casey's academic pursuits would take her to a summer excavation in Greece and a fall semester abroad in London.  It was a tough thing to face.  But we decided to stick it out---and did.  And hey, it gave Brandon an excuse to visit London for the first time.  Casey would return to Greece for two more summers of archeological excavations in 2005 and 2006, but our love remained strong.

Our relationship kept growing throughout our time at Macalester, but graduation in 2006 was a turning point in our lives.  Brandon was heading to Columbia Law School and Casey was looking to work for a few years and take classes before going to graduate school in archaeology.  We decided to journey to New York City together, sharing the experience every step of the way.  It was a big transition---we had never even visited New York before moving in---but we went through it together and are loving our time in the Big Apple!

After more than three years together (and constant hint-dropping from Casey), Brandon decided to make an honest woman out of Casey!  He visited jewelers, researched rings, and used the hints Casey had dropped over the years to pick out the perfect ring for her.  At our friend Amanda's wedding in June 2007, Casey caught the bouquet---not knowing that Brandon had already bought the ring!  (Brandon watched, wryly smirking.)  But the ring hid out, locked in Brandon's office drawer, until July 23, 2007.  That evening, Brandon took Casey out to a romantic dinner at the world-renowned Rainbow Room Grill.  After the cab ride home, we walked to the beautiful Morningside Park near our home.  Brandon dropped down on one knee, pulled out the ring, and after confessing his feelings asked Casey to be his wife.  As you probably guessed, Casey said yes---but not before asking him ten times if he was serious and demanding to know if the ring was real! 

And now here we are, enjoying our new life together as husband and wife!

You'll find more pictures of the couple in our photo album.