Love is a journey and let's celebrate our "miles" together!

2014 Huck and Yijia met at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Although they were originally from different cities in China, Suzhou and Wuhan, they both flew over 7,000 miles to the United States to pursue their dreams. Destiny brought them together when they met in their Physics class, and Huck knew right that she was the one he would marry someday. 2014-2019 Throughout their college years, Yijia and Huck shared a strong bond as friends, lovers, study buddies and travel partners. They explored over 30 states together, creating unforgettable memories. After graduating, Yijia and Huck faced the challenge of a long-distance relationship for almost three years as they pursued different paths in grad school and work. But they never gave up on each other, and they made sure to visit each other as often as possible, even if it meant taking red-eye flights. Between Champaign and Princeton, Evanston and Santa Clara, New York and Seattle, Chicago and Boston, they took numerous flights and trains. The distance only made them appreciate each other more and grow closer. 2019 In 2019, they took a trip to Alaska, where Huck surprised Yijia with a romantic proposal on a glacier. They flew there by helicopter and were surrounded by the stunning blue scenery. Love was in the air, Yijia happily said yes. 2020 In 2020, Yijia was able to transfer to a remote work team and moved to Chicago to be with Huck. They finally ended their long distance relationship and started a new chapter of their lives together. They also adopted their first dog, Oak, who brought them joy and companionship. 2021-Now In 2021, Yijia and Huck bought their first house and made it their cozy home. In May 2023, they welcomed their first baby boy, Miles, into the world. They named him “Miles” because he is precious fruit of the love that cross countless miles. He was also named after a Chinese saying “a thousand miles begin with a single step”, which is an apt reminder for Yijia and Huck as they embark on this new chapter in their lives. May 19th 2024 Love is a journey that has taken them across over 7000 miles from China to the United States, through over 30 states that they have traveled together, and through numerous flights and trains they took to see each other over the 3 years of long-distance relationship. After 8 years together, Huck and Yijia can’t wait to celebrate their "miles" with all of you at Chicago History Museum on May 19th 2024!