Elizabeth and Stephen met in 2014 while on a cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. Elizabeth was travelling with college girlfriends for spring break, while Stephen was on a guys' trip. The two friend groups hit it off and spent the week hanging out and soaking up the sun together. Following the trip, Elizabeth returned back to Chicago while Stephen returned to Raleigh. The two kept in touch and began talking more and more frequently. They visited one another over the summer and eventually began dating in the fall of 2014. As the years passed, both Elizabeth and Stephen were focused on establishing their careers. One promotion followed the next with each allowing more flexibility for remote work opportunities. The frequent trips between Chicago and Raleigh, which began with short weekends, eventually extended to anywhere from one to three weeks at a time. Elizabeth and Stephen were able to make long-distance work for over 4 years before Stephen found an opportunity that would allow him to move to Chicago and for the two to finally be together. Stephen moved to Chicago in the summer of 2019. The relationship continued to grow and become stronger than ever. 2020 presented the ultimate challenge, with the onset of Covid and the mandatory shelter in place order. Elizabeth and Stephen were confined to their one bedroom apartment for the duration of the lockdown, but the relationship prospered even still. In November 2020, under the ruse of a date night, Stephen planned a home-cooked meal followed by time spent around a fire. After working up the courage, Stephen got down on one knee, professed his love, and told Elizabeth that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Elizabeth happily said yes!