how wonderful life is...

It was winter of 2018. And how all good modern-day love stories begin, both Elise and Grayson were on Bumble. They matched on that very winter day, and she sent a compelling, 'Hey, what's up?'. Grayson, charmed, responded back, and that's how it all began. Shout out to the pothole Grayson and Lucy (his dog) experienced on New Years Eve, 2018, because it led to continued conversation and a great story to discuss before having met each other in person. Grayson asked Elise to grab drinks in Wicker Park. The day was January 9th, 2019. He says his first impression of Elise was 'confident, assertive'. While he had planned to meet at Tapster in Wicker Park, she immediately chose another place, with a more lively atmosphere, after arriving. ["This tracks" - Elise] Four bars later, on a Wednesday night, they discussed everything under the sun. Family, motivations, sports, Grayson's dog Lucy. Elise was enthralled by Grayson's light southern accent (there are texts to prove this), the journey he took to arrive in Chicago and music taste. Grayson admired Elise's beauty, confidence and her willingness to lean into a Miller Lite. After the Wednesday evening had ended, four bars later and not wanting to leave, they said their goodbyes and headed off, not knowing when they would see each other next. Elise was annoyed that he didn't kiss her at the end of the evening. ["I didn't want to ruin the vibe" - Grayson] ["Uh huh" - Elise] Grayson immediately texted Elise the next day and invited her to a Magic City Hippies concert that Friday. Elise willingly accepted the invite and was so excited to see him again. That Friday came, and they met at Elise's apartment prior to have a few beers. ["She let me drink all of her prized Yazu beer from Nashville that night. That's when I knew" - Grayson] The concert began, and they were having so much fun. Finally, Grayson leaned in to kiss Elise, and now they can say that their first kiss was at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Since that night, they've gone to five more Magic City Hippies shows and have made even more memories together. Their first trip together was to Charleston, South Carolina, in spring 2019. Elise had never been to South Carolina before and quickly became in love with not only the town that has now become one of her favorites but also Grayson. ["I knew he was the one in Charleston. It was one of the best trips I have ever been on - so simple, so goofy and I loved seeing the incredible town through his eyes" - Elise] Since Charleston, Elise and Grayson have made so many more memories, from traveling around the country (& world) to take more trips as a couple or see friends/family, frequenting the Chicago restaurant scene, watching their favorite shows from the couch, walking Lucy to "Lucy's Park" (i.e. Washington Square Park in Chicago), going to Chicago sports games and more. In August of 2022, Grayson walked to the jewelry store to purchase a ring for Elise. In September, they got on a sailboat in Lake Michigan, and the cute boy from Virginia asked the cute girl from Iowa to marry him. ["I was so nervous but glad it all turned out great, except for the fact that I got seasick after I proposed" - Grayson] The two, now in their Gold Coast apartment, are as busy as ever, with both work schedules, Elise's start at graduate school and wedding planning. They always find time, however, to come together and go on dates, travel, go to concerts... ["Except for jam bands (e.g. Phish). He has to find someone else to go with him" - Elise] ... and all in all, have fun with each other. They truly can't believe that they found one another. A perfect match. Grayson makes Elise laugh like no other, with his funny dad jokes and slight southern accent when he has more than three beers. Elise makes Grayson laugh, too, but not that often (because she isn't as funny as him). She does, however, make a mean dinner and provides him with all the love he'll ever need. Thanks for reading <3