Starting a new chapter!

Dana and Dan met in June 2017 during residency orientation at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. At the social event on the first day, Dana noticed Dan sitting with his Emergency Medicine co-residents. Wanting to meet him—but not make it obvious—she grabbed her super social co-resident (unbeknownst to him, part of her plan) to casually "mingle" their way over to his table. That night, Dana and Dan ended up talking the entire time. Dan asked for Dana’s number—under the guise of just keeping in touch—but the texts came quickly and often. Their first date was seeing Chris Rock at the Chicago Theatre, full of laughs and excitement. He spent 5 minutes roasting Gary, IN! Unfortunately, the intensity of intern year eventually pulled them in different directions, but they remained friends—best friends. In July 2020, after years of friendship, late-night conversations, and life changes, Dana and Dan decided to give their relationship another chance. Since then, they’ve grown together through friendship, travel, passing medical boards, and building their careers—and now, they’re getting married!

On December 2, 2024, during our annual post-Thanksgiving tradition, Dan surprised Dana with a staycation in Chicago. She thought they were only cooking dinner—but when they missed the exit to his apartment, she knew something was up. The next night, she thought they were going on a cute date—but instead, he led her to the rooftop of the Ambassador Chicago Hotel, beautifully decorated for a moment she'll never forget. He pulled out the ring, and everything became a blur of excitement and emotion. They laughed afterward because Dan said, “I asked you to marry me, right?” and Dana said, “I think you did!” They celebrated at the Godfrey rooftop and made their Thanksgiving dinner on the third night. Chicago will always be part of their love story—from where they met, to where she said “yes.”