The story of Denis and Mollie began when they both signed up for a medical mission trip to Cusco, Peru organized through Villanova University. They first met at one of the trip planning meetings on campus and had their first one on one conversation at Villanova’s most popular bar, Kelly’s. Denis thought Mollie was cute, funny, and easy to talk to. Mollie thought Denis was tall, sweet, and quirky with a good sense of humor (but most importantly, tall). In late May of 2016 they set off for Peru. They said no more than two words to each other during the 17 hour travel day, but over the two week trip Denis made an effort to stand next to Mollie whenever possible so that he could strike up conversations with her. Their group did a day trip to Machu Picchu and they hiked the trail together and talked the whole way up and down the mountain. A few nights after that hike Denis told Vinny, his roommate on the trip, “I’m going to date that girl”. Mollie’s roommates on the trip, Mary and Reyna, told Mollie that Denis “obviously” liked her but Mollie wasn’t completely convinced yet. Towards the end of the trip, Mollie and Denis were assigned to the same station during one of the clinics at a Peruvian school (see photo). That day, Mollie took a picture of Denis working with the children at the school and used the picture as an excuse to get his number.
The two week trip came to a close so Denis and Mollie returned home from Peru and went their separate ways to their hometowns for the rest of the summer. Denis in Havertown, PA and Mollie in Glenview, IL. When Mollie got home, she texted Denis the picture of him working with the kids as an excuse to start a conversation. They spent the entire summer texting back and forth getting to know each other. They planned to get together when Mollie moved back to Villanova for the start of their senior year. Mollie was still unsure if Denis liked her as more than just a friend, but she was excited to see where things would go. Denis was excited to see Mollie again and wondered how many dates they should go on before he could ask her to officially be his girlfriend. During her first week back on campus, they went on their first date during which they had ice cream at Hope’s Cookies. The date went really well and they were both relieved that it wasn’t awkward at all. After their date, Mollie had a wine night with Catherine (her maid of honor) and debriefed her summer of talking to Denis. Mollie told Catherine she was worried Denis was just being friendly, but Catherine whipped some sense into her and explained that he definitely liked her. About a month and several dates later, Denis asked Mollie to be his girlfriend while Mollie had a mouthful of popcorn as they were watching an episode of Parks and Recreation. Mollie was thrilled and immediately texted her family group chat to tell them she had a boyfriend to which her brothers lovingly said, “wow I can’t believe a normal guy wants to date you”. Denis and Mollie quickly realized that they had very similar upbringings and even shared oddly specific family traditions such as always eating lasagna for Christmas dinner. They joke that they were raised by the same mother. Their similar values and love for family was an instant connection. They both feel incredibly lucky to be marrying into such wonderful families.
After graduating college, they navigated the busy post grad life as Denis started medical school at Jefferson University and Mollie started working as an RN in the Emergency Department at Christiana Hospital. They feel lucky to both be in the medical field so that they can talk about their shifts with each other.
As Denis and Mollie started to talk about their future, Denis decided to set up a time to talk to Mollie’s dad and ask for his permission to marry Mollie. Denis shocked Mollie with an incredibly well executed proposal in July of 2019. Denis tricked Mollie into thinking she was going to campus to meet with her graduate school advisor, but he was waiting for her on the steps of the Villanova church with a beautiful ring. They then had lunch at White Dog Café which was where they had their first dinner date, and ended the perfect day back at Hope’s Cookies where they had their first date.
Denis and Mollie are very excited to start their married life together celebrating with family and friends.
We can’t wait to go from Peru to I Do!!
#FromPeruToIDo