After many, many unsuccessful dates, Gabbi’s mother encouraged her to create a profile on CatholicMatch.
Gabbi was hesitant about online dating at first, thinking that it was only for those who struggled to meet others in person. However, Gabbi was ready for a serious, long-term relationship, so she decided to give CatholicMatch a fair try.
Meanwhile, Michael, who had been using CatholicMatch for about seven months, was ready to delete the app until Gabbi messaged him almost immediately after creating her own account. Connecting through their shared Catholic faith and strong family values, the two exchanged messages and phone calls for about a month before finally meeting in person for their first date.
Their first date lasted for six hours!
Gabbi and Michael’s first date took place in Lincoln, Nebraska, which was about half way between the two towns where they were each living. The day began with brunch at a restaurant, followed by a midday movie, and then ice cream. The date lasted six hours in total as both Michael and Gabbi found it hard to stop the conversation.
By the end of the date, Gabbi was certain that Michael “was incredibly special and someone to hold on to.” Very shortly after their first date, Michael knew he wanted to “build a faith-filled relationship” with Gabbi and asked her to be his girlfriend.
She agreed right away!
Throughout their relationship, Gabbi was particularly touched by all of the ways that Michael demonstrated his deep love for her. In one especially notable testament of affection, Michael drove to Gabbi’s home after her tonsillectomy to help care for her while she healed. Gabbi’s recovery was also an important milestone for Michael because it was during this visit that he knew he wanted to build a life with her through marriage.
On May 4, 2024, Michael proposed on the football field after Gabbi’s college graduation.
While taking photos following the graduation ceremony, Gabbi’s mother distracted her so that Michael could get down on one knee.
The couple celebrated their engagement with family and friends at Gabbi’s parents’ Airbnb that Michael had decorated as a surprise for her.
But...she almost lost the ring!
One month before the wedding, Gabbi was helping her sister move out of her college dorm when she noticed that her engagement ring had fallen off her finger! Gabbi and her sister searched high and low for hours before giving up.
Later that night, Gabbi’s sister reached out to some local Facebook groups for help, and the next morning, members of the community searched the grass with metal detectors and eventually found the ring!
Michael and Gabbi were married on June 21, 2025 at Saint Mary’s Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Along with receiving the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and exchanging vows, the two shared that some of the most special moments of their wedding day were being surrounded by all of their friends and family and sharing their first kiss as husband and wife.
Their wedding day concluded with a special last dance, just the two of them, where all of the guests exited the reception hall, giving the couple time to soak in the events of the day together.
Since being married, Gabbi and Michael have enjoyed sharing everyday moments, feeling blessed that they have found their companions for life in each other.
Both Gabbi and Michael especially look forward to coming home to one another at the end of each day. Looking to the future, the couple is excited to grow in faith with one another as they start their family together.
