Our journey together began during our sophomore year at Northern Illinois University, when fate brought us together in the same community at New Hall West. At first, we were simply friends, sharing laughs and long conversations that seemed to last all day. Everything changed on New Year's Eve, 2017, when Mark, through the cheering and confetti, took a leap of faith and made his move. That moment marked the beginning of something beautiful. At the time, Amy was living in St. Louis, and we navigated the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Yet, despite the miles between us, our connection only deepened. Finally, in June 2019, Amy moved to Chicago, and we started building our life together. The years since have yielded a beautiful partnership from an enduring friendship-each chapter in our story an exploration of love, kinship, resilience, and shared dreams. And as we look back, we know that every twist of fate, every moment of distance, was simply part of the grand story we were always meant to write together.

Mark orchestrated every detail of our trip to Cabo San Lucas, each moment carefully planned with love and thoughtfulness. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the ocean, Mark took Amy’s hand on the beach and asked her to spend forever with him. It was like a scene straight out of a romantic movie, the waves crashing into the shore and the ocean breeze blowing through Amy’s hair as she said, “Yes!” Afterward, we were led to a secluded spot on the beach, where a private candlelit dinner awaited us. The soft flicker of the candles danced in the warm breeze, an intimate celebration of our love.

The Rookery is an architectural gem originally designed by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham in 1886. After opening as the post-fire City Hall in 1888, it underwent a redesign by Frank Loyd Wright in 1907. Already known as architectural masterpiece worldwide, Wright modernized the first two floors further elevating The Rookery’s prestige. Today, recognized nationally as a historical landmark, we are thrilled to celebrate our love in a place so unique and eternal.