Mai and Alex met in Buffalo, they both moved there by themselves (one for school and the other for work). They connected online through Tinder & had their 1st date on August 5th, 2018... Thus began an inseparable bond between two strangers who were determined to live a larger life. They didn't expect to find love in a place that was meant to be a stepping stone to their careers and goals. Shortly after, they moved to Chicago on a whim & began the incredible life they had always pictured.

After moving to Chicago in 2019, COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the nation 6 months after they arrived! Alex & Mai moved from a 400 sqft apartment in the Gold Coast to a 1 bedroom in The Loop while the world was in lockdown during March 2020. This posed a unique situation that expedited the growth of the relationship and led to them adopting their first puppy, Biggie. Their love blossomed and gave room for a second pup, Lupe, which they adopted in 2022. They quickly outgrew their one bedroom apartment downtown. After 4 amazing years in Chi, they decided to travel west again to Colorado.

Mai has always been infatuated with French culture (Mai's Sweet 16 was Parisian Themed & She traveled to Paris when she was 17), so when Alex pitched the idea to go to Paris for their 5 year anniversary Mai was elated. Alex had never been out of the country and was so excited to share this experience for the first time with her. They celebrated their 5 year anniversary at the Louvre. The following day, Alex suggested an early morning walk by the river across from the Eiffel Tower. It was then that he popped the question in front of the most beautiful sunrise Mai had ever seen, it was the perfect proposal.

Fun Fact: Colorado is unique because you can self solemnize and legalize your marriage without an officiant or witnesses. Alex and Mai were able to get married alone on Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park and included Biggie & Lupe on their Marriage Certificate as witnesses. Although they created such a special memory by self officiating their marriage, they knew they wanted to celebrate eventually with friends and family.

Since the elopement and their amazing time in Colorado, Mai and Alex have moved back to Illinois and bought a house 45 minutes outside of Chicago. They feel so blessed to have lived all over the country and even luckier to have settled down by their favorite city. As their second year of marriage comes to an end, they are so excited to finally celebrate their union in St. Lucia with their favorite people by their sides.