Our Story

We met through Facebook Dating (yes, Facebook has a dating app). What started as occasional casual chats soon blossomed into daily conversations. Eventually, Karl decided to take the leap and organized a meetup in Rittenhouse for a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail.

During that first meeting, we bonded over our shared love for architecture, design, music, and the outdoors. Tommy was surprised to learn about Karl’s passion for camping and the outdoors, while Karl was skeptical when Tommy mentioned his skills in construction. Having grown up admiring his father’s unmatched craftsmanship, Karl doubted anyone could measure up—until he met Tommy. After seeing Tommy's skills firsthand, Karl never questioned his abilities again.

What began as a simple stroll turned into an hours-long conversation by the river at sunset, with Starbucks coffees in hand—a perfect beginning to our story.

During that hours-long meetup, we discovered our shared love for all things classic and Art Deco. With that in mind, Karl planned the perfect dinner at Café Gabi, a French restaurant known for its stunning Art Deco interiors. On this seemingly perfect date, the conversation flowed effortlessly, with sparks flying.

As we stepped out of the restaurant, Philadelphia was bathed in the glow of golden hour, with a breathtaking pink and blue sky. Mesmerized, we couldn’t resist capturing the moment in a photo—just as most millennials would. To this day, we still talk about that incredible date, punctuated by that unforgettable sunset. And we have the photos to remember it by.

Courting for us was uniquely ours—there was a deep bond from the very beginning, and we both felt it profoundly. Yet, we also recognized that we each had some growing to do. During our courting phase, we could never stay apart for long. It was during this time that Tommy earned the nickname "Art Deco" among friends. No matter where we were in our lives, one of us always seemed to message the other at the exact moment the other was thinking of them. It was as though we were truly connected on a higher plane, with the universe constantly reminding us of that bond.

With the guidance of our friends, our love was able to grow. Deb was there to offer sage advice to Karl, while Tommy leaned on Michael during this time of self-discovery and growth for both of us. Our stable foundation is a testament to their wisdom, their belief in us, and their recognition that we were both better individuals when we were together.

Once we recognized what others had already seen in us, we took the leap toward each other, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. Our nights were shared between our suburban home in Stratford, our pied-à-terre in Rittenhouse, and our mountain retreat at Camp OUT Poconos. But never apart—not once. Relinquishing the Rittenhouse home was a major step for us, but like every step we’ve taken, it was one we made together, completely in sync and aligned with each other. From then on, we were affectionately known among our friends as "KartDeco."

As with everything in our journey, things seemed to flow naturally. We both listen to the universe, and every step we’ve taken together has felt perfectly aligned. It wasn’t long before Karl was secretly looking at engagement rings. Tommy had once mentioned his love for diamonds, but Karl insisted diamonds were too common for someone as extraordinary as Tommy—he was more of a Ruby or Sapphire.

Karl’s choice of The Maker in Hudson, NY, as the proposal venue was intentional and thoughtful. This boutique hotel and restaurant, housed in a restored mansion and styled with decor from the 1800s to mid-century modern, turned out to be even more magical than imagined. Dining in the glass conservatory under a clear night sky, surrounded by tropical plants, set the perfect stage. After dessert, Karl’s shaky proposal was met with a resounding "yes."

Tommy’s ring was as unique as their love—a vintage Art Deco piece from the 1920s, carved from 18ct white gold, featuring a diamond and two deep blue sapphires. Months later, Tommy proposed to Karl with an antique sapphire Art Deco ring from the 1930s.

Our rings symbolize more than our love—they are "something old" and "something borrowed," as we serve as curators of these timeless treasures during our lifetimes. With deep blue sapphires, they also fulfill "something blue," a perfect reflection of our shared journey.

Our wedding plans came together in true KartDeco fashion—unconventional and heartfelt. Initially, we planned for a wedding in 2026, following Tommy's 40th birthday. It made sense for us both, a milestone celebration of love and life. But as with so many things in life for a queer couple, we don’t always have the privilege of choosing the perfect time or place.

For those who may not understand, the threat of a political party openly promising to revoke our right to marry is not just "political"—it's a threat to our lives and liberty.

There was no hesitation. We knew we wanted to be together, forever. If that meant a smaller wedding in Hudson, NY, then that’s what we would do. On December 6th, we marry at the very place where Karl proposed—a meaningful, intimate ceremony with our officiants, Deb and Michael, our best people, and close family by our side.

But, of course, the love and enthusiasm from our families and chosen family could not be contained to just 11 guests. That is why we are so thrilled to celebrate with all of you at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel on January 17th!