One casual St. Patrick's day weekend at an Orland Park pub, he was out with the guys, she was out with her cousin. John approached Ann and offered to buy her a drink. They shared a few laughs and a good conversation. John even introduced Ann to his dad and uncles as they were there with him that night. After a short while, it was time for the girls to leave, but before they did, without much hesitation, John asked for Ann's phone number. As Ann put the number in his phone, John was doubtful that the phone number was correct, but to his surprise, when he called the following week Ann responded. A formal date followed at Mama Maria's Mexican restaurant in Orland Park where we got to know each other. Some good margaritas certainly helped calm the nerves! The first date went off without a hitch and after several dates later, we made it official.

Six years after meeting that St. Patrick's Day weekend, John was ready to pop the question. Months leading up to the engagement, we had already discussed our future and had fun designing an engagement ring together. It was important to John to get Ann's parents blessing before the formal engagement, so when he had the ring, he made a special trip to see them. With happiness and excitement, they both gave their blessing. Several weeks later, 1 day before our dating anniversary, on what seemed to be an ordinary Wednesday evening, John proposed to Ann at their Orland Park home. After 6 years, the answer was undoubtedly...YES! We continued to celebrate that evening (in our PJ's and our robes) with a bottle of champagne (or two) looking forward to the commitment we were making to each other. In the weeks that followed, we shared the exciting news with our friends and family. Our family and friends mean the world to us and we look forward to share our special day with you!