Collin and Natalie met at Saint Louis University, where they were both on the swim team. Between early mornings at practice and long days at the pool, they kept running into each other, and it didn’t take long for Collin to want to get to know Natalie better.

He found plenty of excuses to spend time together. Being two of the few Chicago Cubs fans in St. Louis helped, and he started inviting her over to watch games. Somewhere in between innings and conversations, things just clicked. Natalie saw Collin as someone genuinely kind and thoughtful. Collin was drawn to Natalie’s energy, positivity, and the way she made people feel comfortable right away. What started as teammates slowly turned into something more.

Their first official date was at Maggiano’s Little Italy, and not long after, in November 2018, they made things official. As they got to know each other more, it became clear how many connections they already had, especially with both families tied closely to Chicago. In one of their favorite early stories, Collin found out his uncle Scott had actually been Natalie’s middle school principal, which felt like one of those small-world moments that stuck with them.

After college, they stayed in St. Louis while Natalie worked through her doctorate in physical therapy and Collin started his career at Boeing. Life got busy, but they settled into a rhythm, spending time with family, seeing friends, and traveling whenever they could.

In April 2024, they moved in together and made St. Louis their home. Since then, they’ve enjoyed exploring the city, hosting friends, and spending as much time outside as possible, especially if there’s a patio involved. One of their favorite recent trips was to Glacier National Park, where they were up at 4 a.m. most days to make the most of it and ended up doing a 17-mile hike that came with a very necessary 12 hour sleep afterward. Life at home is also never quiet thanks to Zion, their goldendoodle, who lives for fetch and would play all day if you let him. He also takes it upon himself to wake Collin up for breakfast while letting Natalie sleep in.

After seven years together, Collin planned a trip to Florida with his family, a trip with the O’Briens, and to Natalie’s surprise, the Horwitz's. On a beautiful evening in Siesta Key, with the sun setting over the beach and both families there, he got down on one knee. It was a complete surprise (in Collin’s mind) and the perfect start to their next chapter.

After the wedding, Collin and Natalie are excited to start married life together, with Natalie finishing her residency in physical therapy and both of them continuing to build a life centered around family, friends, and new experiences.

They’re especially looking forward to a honeymoon in Fiji and slowing down for a bit after all the excitement. Most of all, they’re excited to celebrate with everyone who’s been part of their story and see what comes next.