It wasn’t fate that brought us together, rather the internet and lies that launched this wedding journey. Danny and I met at the modern-day equivalent of your local bar; online dating. I don’t recall if we clicked right away (dad joke), but after exchanging emails, we each concluded the other wasn’t a creepy internet predator so we could safely meet in person. I suggested dinner and watching the Blackhawks playoff game. Danny, without hesitation, suddenly remembered that he had friends in town so dinner wouldn’t work, but drinks and hockey would. We agreed to meet at Zella's for beers and sports where we befriended our server, Raine, who had recently quit (but was oddly still working) so she was happy to feed us free drinks throughout the night. Then Danny’s good friend Tiffany "unexpectedly" stopped by our table and spoke glowingly of Danny. All while cheering on his beloved Blackhawks. So a promising start to a relationship, right? WRONG. Woven throughout this first-date story is a series of lies that don’t surface until later. First, Danny didn’t have friends in town that evening. He just wanted an exit plan in case I was a weirdo and drinks, not dinner, would make that easier. Second, Tiffany was planted by Danny to shower him with compliments so I’d be more attracted to him. Third, Danny cheering for the Blackhawks was forced. I should have known when he asked me who Stanley was and who cares about his cup! And finally, although I lack proof, Danny hired Raine to get me drunk rendering me defenseless against his deceit. This is my perspective. In Danny’s version, he’ll have you believe his lies were innocent and worthwhile. Now, while I’ll never admit this, he’s right. How we came to meet matters much less than why we’ve stayed together ever since. On June 15th, 2013, for whatever reason, the stars aligned and we began our story. On Sat, June 22, 2024 surrounded by those we love, we’ll start to write the next chapter in this, our lifelong love story.

Deceit? Deception? How about normalcy? I played by commonly accepted dating rules and, according to the handbook, first dates are strictly meant for casual drinks. Andy may have wanted to plunge right into an intimate candlelit dinner on day one, but we all know Andy's a bit of an out of touch old man - yelling at XYZ sportz ball on the TV, baffled by taking a selfie (my favorite: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203966481419489&set=a.10203966474379313&type=3), etc. I simply offered the standard date night and here we are six years later. Proof. Did we run into Tiffany? Yes, but completely by chance. Is it really that suspicious that two friends happen to be at the same bar on a summer night in Chicago? What shouldn’t get lost in these details is the balance in our relationship. Andy masterfully plays the role of misguided, but well-intentioned meathead, while I’m practical and keep us tethered to reality. We love to poke fun at this story making our friends pick sides (i.e. do you choose the white lie or awkward dinner date?), but what shouldn’t get overlooked was our instant compatibility. Despite my complete indifference for hockey and Andy's longing for a romantic 5-course meal (or at least some food to soak up the free shots we kept being served), we spent the whole night laughing, telling stories, and getting to know each other. In fact, we were having so much fun that our server at Zella's (the aforementioned Raine) invited us to go out with her later and gave us her number! We never did end up seeing Raine again, but every year on our anniversary, we text her letting her know we're still going strong. Next summer, when our dating anniversary rolls around on June 15th, we’ll get to share with her the good news that those free tequila shots had a little something to do with us getting married just a week later! Friends and family, we can't wait to celebrate with you on Sat, June 22nd, 2024!