We can't wait to celebrate with you!

His While Anna and I would love to say we met through church, and that's partially true, we really met through Hinge. She had a picture on her profile from our church, which added pressure for me to get the first message right. I spent about two weeks crafting, polishing, and perfecting what I should message. The end result: "I go there too!" Fair to say I may have received some supernatural help. Our first date really was perfect. I came away from that night feeling like I'd met someone who I could be completely vulnerable and myself with, who would love me as I am while pushing me to be the best man I can be. She was kind, funny, smart, beautiful, open, had the most beautiful hair, and was everything I could ever hope for. That's not just who she was that night, it's who she is everyday, and I love her so much for that. Hers After a year hiatus from Chicago’s brutal online dating scene, I thought I would give it another “go”. After all, the pandemic wasn’t going anywhere and what did I have to lose?  I went on a few bad dates then swore off online dating again forever (if only Ben hadn’t waited two weeks to push send!)…. But then a guy that went to Soul City messaged me and I had this feeling like I should give it a shot. He was cute and from Michigan and I remember thinking we could be friends at the least.  I showed up and my first thought was, “Woah! He has great hair”. Instantly, we had a spark and couldn’t stop talking for four hours! He planned the perfect night at Tiny Tap followed by a walk along the Chicago River to the Lake. He was smart, funny, sweet, handsome, emotionally intelligent, and I felt like we just clicked. I remember in the first 30 minutes of the date I thought to myself, "wait...is this IT?!" From that day on, my life has never been the same. I cannot believe I get to call the most wonderful, kind, and pure soul my husband on June 3rd.  I am so grateful to God for his perfect timing in our story and for blessing us with one another. 

His An hour before I was leaving to propose, everything was going according to plan. My friends in place to photograph, Anna convinced we were headed to mini golf after work, and our families arrived safely in town to celebrate. As I prepared to leave my place to meet at her apartment, I realized I had no way to conceal the ring box other than pocketing it. I decided my best option was to fill my pocket with everything I had, so that in case Anna asked I could show her my wallet, keys, airpods etc. Thankfully she never asked! I stopped about twenty steps out of her apartment, in front of a beautiful home and garden, and on one knee asked Anna if she was ready to start the next chapter of our life together. Her yes made it the happiest moment of my life, and having our families there to celebrate was the perfect finish to an unforgettable day. Hers It was a typical Wednesday and Ben and I had plans go to mini-golfing in the city. I was rushed to get ready and texted Ben to ask him if we could push back our time 30 minutes to which he replied, “…I don’t think so I think we have to be there right at 5.” So I scrambled to get ready because he would be at my apartment in about 15 minutes! Ben arrived to my place and he was calm, per-usual. I remember he didn’t take his shoes or off sit down and wanted to leave right away. We walked out of my apartment and started walking on Hampden Court. I realized that Ben wasn’t right next to me and turned around to see why. To my surprise, he was on one knee. I thought, “What! This is it. OKAY THIS IS IT.” I remember seeing him with the biggest smile on his face beaming up at me. He asked, “Are you ready to start the next chapter?” Immediately I said yes! Cue hugs and tears. Ben then informed me that our families were downtown on a rooftop waiting for us to celebrate! It was the perfect surprise and I loved the memory of having both of our families together on the most special day.