We met during Rachel's last year of law school and Steve's first year of his PhD program. Rachel pushed Steve to ask her on a date and he eventually agreed, surprising her by making a reservation at one of the nicest cocktail bars in town. On the date, we knew this could be something when we both talked equally passionately about Rachel's beloved cat, Cosmo, and Steve's family's perfect poodle, Cooper.

Rachel knew something was coming; she just didn't know when. When the day came, Steve took an unconventional approach to the surprise: he decided to make it so obvious that he was going to propose that Rachel wouldn't possibly think he would actually do it. The morning of Steve's big plans, we went out to a lovely breakfast with Zeus and took him to his favorite park. Rachel was having such a wonderful time that she kept saying "best day ever!" Steve continually responded with "best day ever... so far!" Rachel had plans with her friends to go to the zoo that afternoon while Steve golfed and Steve suggested that she wear a sundress - preferably her white one. When Rachel arrived at the zoo with her friends later that afternoon, she had so much fun in the penguin house that she forgot about her suspicions. However, Steve surprised her soon thereafter waiting for her on a secluded trail. Steve asked Rachel to marry him and it was a wholehearted yes. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in Chicago!