Connected by a Common Thread
In the early fall of 2014, Michael was a junior at the University of Illinois majoring in engineering. Like any other college student, he held a part-time job as he attended his studies and in between work and school he made time to have a little fun at the local arcades and restaurants with friends. One specific spot that was particularly keen to college students in the area was Ignite Network, a gaming lounge for enthusiasts, young and old. What Michael didn’t know was that one life-changing night this would be the exact spot where he’d meet the love of his life, and future wife, Kasia.
Kasia, at the time, was a freshman at the University of Illinois with the goal of becoming a nurse. Outside of working hard in her first year of college, Kasia liked to spend time with friends, either by grabbing food or going out on an adventure. One particular day in August of 2014, Kasia decided to contact her friend Jessica from high school to hang out since they hadn’t seen each other in a while. Kasia, like Michael, had no idea that a typical random night out with their mutual friend Jessica would turn into their forever love story.
One night while Michael was finishing up his stocking shift at his part-time grocery job, his co-worker and friend, a woman named Jessica, invited him to hang out after work to go to Baker’s Square and then play some Mario Kart at Ignite Network afterward. She mentioned she’d bring a friend named Kathy along to join them for a fun night out. They’d all meet at Baker’s Square before heading to the gaming lounge. Kathy, later revealed to be Kasia, first laid eyes on Michael, as she recalls her first impression of him as a “Quiet and mysterious young man.” As the night passed, the pair became quick friends, realizing they had so much in common. They both knew Jessica as a mutual friend, grew up in the same area, and went to the exact same college; This moment in time forever became a pivotal point in their life chapter together as a couple.
As time passed, the pair became inseparable as friends, often hanging out on and off campus. As Michael recalls, he knew he wanted to marry Kasia one day after their first year of dating because of how dedicated and passionate she was about her career and personal goals. Over the years, they’d travel, dance, go out to different restaurants to eat, and still have tons of fun at the place they first met, Ignite Network gaming lounge. They both knew they were destined for marriage and a life full of adventures together.
In February 2023, Michael planned a special first-time trip for him and Kasia to Savannah, GA, where he’d enlist the help of Marry Me Event Production & Design and propose to Kasia in front of the enchanting historic and iconic Forsyth fountain at Forsyth Park in Savannah’s Historic District. The proposal is now another memorable chapter in their love story, as the two love birds are now set to marry in late 2024. When they reflect on their journey together, they realize that the fabric of their union was connected by a common thread that would hold their love together for years to come. They both have Jessica to thank for making their fate possible. After all, who knew they had so much in common and that one fun night out at the gaming lounge would change their lives forever.
Photo Credit: Michael & Kasia
Proposal: Marry Me Event Production & Design