Our story began in the most unexpected of places: the SAE basement at Illinois State University. Amid the music, the crowd, and the college chaos, we crossed paths for the first time at the keg, completely unaware of just how important that moment would become. What started as a simple introduction and add on Snapchat quickly turned into a friendship that lasted years. We laughed together, supported each others decisions, and became fixtures in each other’s lives long before either of us admitted that something more was growing. Eventually, feelings started to surface… slowly, subtly, and then all at once. Jacob took the first step—actually, three steps—asking Ellie to be his girlfriend. It wasn’t until June 25, 2020, that Ellie finally said yes, and the real adventure officially began. Flash forward 6 years, and life looks pretty wonderful. We’re engaged, building a life we love, raising our two beautiful dogs, Bailey and Gracie, and planning a wedding surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.