Rachel and Jake met in their freshman year of undergrad in 2017, in shared class for those planning to become history teachers. Though both of them went on to change their degrees, that class changed their lives. Soon they were seeing plenty of each other as friends. Jake was drawn in by Rachel’s vast and colorful interest in the world, her love of the little beauties of nature, and the warmth and care she extended to all those lucky enough to know her. Rachel was always attracted to Jake's love for all things creative, willingness to try something new, and his true committment to his family and friends. And his flowing locks. Come next fall, the two were officially dating. After weathering the highs and lows of undergrad together, the two made the unexpected decision (especially to them) to enroll in grad school. This era of their relationship came with new challenges, but also new chances to strengthen their bond. Rachel and Jake bribed friends to help with moves, made do on tiny paychecks, watched hundreds of movies, went on countless walks, shared in small and big accomplishments, waded into lakes, listened to albums, played tabletop games, and even adopted a strange little crowd of pets over the years. Though they always valued adventure – seeing Costa Rica together or hosting their annual Halloween party – it was this day-to-day living, always being able to look to the side and see one another, that allowed their love to become a foundation for the future. With only a few years of teasing and at last a real job, Jake proposed to Rachel in November of 2025. It was a moment just for them, in a small rose garden just to the side of Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. With Rachel’s “Yes”, their next chapter has begun, and their excitement is only matched by their gratitude for all the people in their lives that will celebrate it with them.