In August 2010, on both of their first days at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Universe drew Steph and Daniel together to their very first college party, where they met. Two complementary elements colliding in the midst of chaos. Isn't that how the Universe elaborates its most beautiful creations? Steph, shy as usual, was approached by a confident and carefree Daniel. Nothing more than a few words were exchanged that evening, as the Universe wanted to experiment with these two souls but knew they weren't ready yet. A more subtle Lab of Love would have to do the job. Eventually, they would lock eyes every other morning at 8am in Chemistry 101: Noyes Lab was the adequate Lab of Love. There, they'd make eye contact and smile at each other in the midst of a massive lecture hall. Eventually, a friendship precipitated. The Universe did right getting them closer for a semester, but recognized that they still needed to go through various transformations before meeting again, so they parted ways before crashing back into each other again the following year. They found themselves in another class together in 2012: Computer Science 105. This time it was Steph who suggested Daniel join her and a friend in a group project. They'd spend too much time studying together, and eventually the group became a pair - sorry, third group member! After many sunrises and sunsets, their hearts began to beat at the same pace, and they became a couple on the night of 02.20.2012. Over the next 7 years, they grew and learned together in life and in love before getting engaged in 2019. They evolved from kids to adults and were by each others' side through personal and professional ups and downs: Steph's job as a traveling consultant, Daniel's broken ankle, Steph's tense relationship with Nino the cat, Daniel's period of falling asleep immediately after one beer. They traveled across the world to meet each others' families in the Philippines and Peru, and so much more.

Seven years of a relationship is just enough to learn about how to stimulate a person’s heart. After the hundreds of experiences traveling, sharing love with friends and family, and learning how to speak love languages together, the best way to evolve communicated love for our couple was to tell the world they were ready to choose each other day by day. Idealizing the proposal event was the forefront of Daniel’s mind: This event had to be romantic, celebrative, and it needed good music. Especially after so many memories being surrounded by music, the best way to communicate this promise of love was to do it surrounded by music in its highest fidelity. The stars aligned when, after having a chat with the family, Fiorella (Daniel’s oldest sister) suggested reaching out to Patrizio Buanne, a Billboard-charting World musician and close friend of hers. It so happened that Patrizio had a concert in Chicago the upcoming 2.13.2019, for a Valentine’s Day special. After elaborate chats together, this was now a project for Daniel and Patrizio. What seemed to be a hard task of unifying event logistics with heart-felt moments turned into an intuitive task for both the lover and the artist. Their ideas blended together and shaped an experience that was to be remembered forever. This was the first time someone proposed on stage at the City Winery. The photos only do a fraction of justice to the emotions that were felt that evening. From the anticipation, to the adrenaline, all the way to the fulfilled desire of finally saying: “Will you marry me?”

In the midst of a pandemic, Steph & Daniel got to explore the depths of each other’s hearts and minds, allowing their love to grow stronger than ever before in their almost 9 years together. Though separate from most family and friends for many celebrations, they were together, in love. Traditions were created, memories were made, and there was a realization that perhaps this was the beginning of something new. And after the year they had, 2021 brought in that newness, inspiration, and a bit of spontaneity. “In the midst of everything that’s happening, we can still claim our ground in these times. Outside, things are uncertain, but in this safe space that is home, we’ve created something strong enough to face whatever happens. We can be the boulder in the river. So, let’s get married. Let’s do this for us now, and when the outside heals, we’ll be ready to celebrate with our loved ones.” - Steph & Daniel So, together in love, that January they decided that this 9-year anniversary was going to be the most special one by far. This began the planning for their secret and special anniversary on February 20 '21. The couple gathered the necessary details: The rings, an officiant, and two dear friends, who were surprised by the news of being called to become Maid of Honor and Best Man. They threw in their personal touches: A favorite place, a week of DIY decor projects, and the perfect outfits. Then, after seemingly endless days of snowfall, February 20 '21, arrived, full of sunshine and all of 23 degrees - the perfect day for a tiny secret Chicago winter wedding. A photographer captured their love in special places around the city they love. Potentially stressful moments turned into funny memories - like making several U-turns driving through downtown chaos and arriving to pick up a cake that was actually never made. Wedding traditions were improvised. Love flowed through each and every moment, and they celebrated this 9-year anniversary together, fully, in love.

Steph and Daniel planned to marry on their special date of 02.20.2020, but as you all know, they like to take their time. Then the rest of 2020 happened. Determined to create something beautiful out of a difficult year, they celebrated their love in an unexpected way on 02.20.21. More on that later. Finally, on 02.19.22, a day shy of their 10-year anniversary, they're excited to share their celebration of love with the world - especially with each one of you. Join them as they walk into a new era together of shared, unconditional love. Be witness to this love story, and prepare to make memories that will be shared with generations to come.