Annie and John’s first date was at Summer House in Chicago. Their second date was on Valentine’s Day. The two stay busy eating out, running and playing Monopoly Deal with family and friends. Although Annie has convinced John to join her on long, romantic runs through Chicago and Martha’s Vineyard, John has not yet been successful in convincing Annie to take up golf. He figures there’s still time! Other joint interests include painting (see the shark that followed Annie when she ran the Chicago Marathon in 2024), traveling (Costa Rica came shortly after their third date), swimming (although shark-infested waters make them nervous) and the mini (what’s a seven letter word for the birthplace of the brownie and the Ferris Wheel?) John asked Annie to marry him while the two were vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard. The proposal came after a romantic walk on the beach on a Friday evening. After a day of rain and wind, the sun came out and Annie said yes! It’s a relationship brimming with connections (the birthday match ups are numerous) and symbolism (midwestern charm conquers northeastern rain) and through it all Annie and John keep each other grounded, steady and focused. Hydrangeas were in bloom when Annie and John were engaged. Plan on seeing more on June 6 when Annie and John say “I do” after a trip down the aisle in Annie’s home church in Montclair. Although John is a Georgia Bulldog for life and Annie’s family has too many dogs, the ceremony and festivities before and after will be animal free.