It all began in January 2016…Amanda was at a low point after the Rams left St. Louis and losing a job she loved…but this change turned out to be one of the best things that could have ever happened. Because this led Amanda to seek new opportunities, and she landed a role at the St. Louis Sports Commission. When she met her new colleagues in the summer of 2016, little did Amanda know that one person she met that first day would become the love of her life. Tim already worked at the Sports Commission, and over the years we developed a wonderful friendship which blossomed into a beautiful love story where we found our happily ever after!

In the spring of 2022, we were both dealing with personal struggles and found great comfort in each other’s friendship. We leaned on each other for support and advice as we navigated through our challenges and ultimately realized, our lives made much more sense when we had each other by our side. As the months went on, we eventually discovered our hearts were a perfect match.

We might have traversed a winding path to get here, but it eventually became so clear: our world just feels right when we are together. From our first official date at Rockwell Beer Co...to our first road trip together to Bloomington, Indiana and wonderful vacations to Southern California, Boston/Cape Cod, San Antonio, Austin, and other fun getaway spots...to the day Tim got down on one knee at the Missouri Botanical Garden on September 7, 2024...the love we have for each other just grows constantly.

Along the way, Amanda so wonderfully embracing her role as Sammy's bonus mom – “Amomda” – and Tim so easily accepting his role as Charlie's "pup dad" solidified our new family in the most amazing way. Sammy has bonded with Amanda over a shared love of gymnastics, reading, and ketchup instead of mustard on hot dogs. The self-proclaimed “Two Girls” (both their birthdays are on the 2nd of the month) are the most beautiful, amazing, and important people in Tim’s world. And Charlie now has two loving parents and a human sibling to dote on him, play with, and sneak treats from.

We often tell each other how lucky we feel to have the other as "my person". Through inside jokes (like the lyrics of a particular Tenacious D song), creating new traditions (Chrismukkah, anyone?), staying up late watching movies (well, Tim watches while Amanda falls asleep), trying new recipes (breakfast bowls are our jam), and the realization of our hopes and dreams (living with your best friend and planning trips to places near and far), we have found an undeniable connection in each other; a partner who makes us feel seen, safe, and completely loved.

When an office remodel in the Spring of 2023 rearranged things so our desks were now located right next to each other, colleagues thought surely this would test the bonds of our relationship like nothing else (how could they be so close to each other ALL THE TIME and not get sick of one another??). While it could have been seen as a test, it only makes us stronger and allows us to share in the ups and downs of professional and personal life together. And here we are, still always smiling, and proving our love to be boundless!

We both like to make lists to stay on track with our lives. We have many lists...to-do tasks around the house, work tasks, grocery lists, restaurants we want to dine at, places we want to travel to, movies or TV shows we want to watch, and yes, a wedding to-do list as well! In that spirit, and to give you a little insight into some of our favorite things from our relationship so far, here is a list of some of our favorites which you might find intriguing (and for those of you visiting town for our happy occasion, helpful for your itinerary):

-- Restaurant (sit down): Edera

-- Restaurant (fast/casual): Taco Buddha

-- Sandwich Shop: Blues City Deli

-- Watering Hole: (tie) Rockwell Beer Co. & Four Hands

-- Dessert Place: Clementine's Creamery

-- Local Attraction: Forest Park

-- U.S. City to Visit: San Diego

-- Comedian: Nate Bargatze

-- College sports team: (tie) Indiana & Mizzou

-- Concert attended together: Taylor Swift

-- Show to watch together: Only Murders in the Building

But we never lose sight of the very top of our list – our family.

Each day, no matter what is going on in our lives or where we are geographically, we feel we are home when we are together. And that is as powerful a feeling as it sounds.

We are so grateful for the overflowing love and support from our family and friends, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you on August 9!