John and I met at work as physical therapists at Midwest Orthopedic Consultants. We became friends over our shared interests, values and love of pizza. I developed a crush (which I had a strong suspicion was mutual) and decided to make the first move. I challenged John to a game of pop a shot at a city dive bar one Saturday night. This was fitting as we were both competitve basketball players in our prime. I won the contest and also scored an invitation for a first date at Porter Cullens in Evergreen Park. The date was a success and I arrived to work the next day to hear some interesting gossip, “John put on nice clothes before he left last night, we think he had a date, do you know with who?” All I could utter was “No idea” while stiffling the biggest smile (we waited about a month to share the news of us dating with co-workers). The rest is history.

One of our first dates was hiking at Starved Rock with stops at the best local breakfast and lunch spots. It was one of the most memorable days for us and I joked that we survived our first road trip so we were golden for the long haul. On 10/5/18 we were thrilled to take John’s brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Ellen, to the same spots for a fall double date. Little did I know John was hiding something shiny in his rain coat pocket, an engagement ring! We hiked to an overlook on the Illinois River and John retrieved the ring from his coat pocket (with a little bit of difficulty due to the nerves) and asked me to be his wife. It was the most surreal and happiest moment I have experienced. Tom and Elle captured the moment and even had champagne ready to go! We came home to a surpirse party at the Hickey’s with close family followed by a night out with friends. It was truly the perfect day.