Let the Adventure Begin!

Who knew when we went into quarantine almost 2 years ago that we would get engaged and plan a wedding on top of all the craziness! A lot of thought went into our decision. We decided that due to the current health crisis, we will keep our wedding ceremony small and hold it at one of our favorite Californian Wineries in October 2021. However, we just knew it wouldn't be a true celebration if we couldn't get together to with all our friends and family to celebrate together. With a look ahead to when we can eventually safely gather, we hope to hold a large reception in downtown Chicago! Obviously, a lot can happen between now and then, but we are cautiously optimistic that everything will go off without a hitch. We will continue to keep you posted in the meantime of any changes! -Bridget and Jason

Bridget had just moved back to Chicago from Boston and got last minute tickets to Windy City Smokeout. She went with a group of friends, however halfway through most had gotten tired. Cori and Bridget stayed near the front by the stage when a group of guys arrived behind them. Bridget turned to hand an empty cup to one of them to "hold onto". A few seconds later the cup landed on the ground labeling Jason a litterbug for life, but also opening up the conversation. The two would hang out together during the concert and eventually make plans to see each other later that week. A first date of tea and sushi (at their now favorite place) and the rest is history!

As the bands started playing at the Windy City Smokeout, Jason suavely approached Bridget. Smitten by his charm, Bridget carelessly dropped her beverage to the ground. The excitement clouded her memory, causing her to forever label Jason as a “litterbug”. Everything else Bridget described above is accurate. Correction: Jason has since learned Bridget is always right, and has retracted his statement.

Since executing a surprise during quarantine together is challenging, Covid-19 complicated the proposal plans. To keep Bridget’s suspicions at bay, Jason resorted to taking “runs” to execute planning stages such as acquiring a ring and making dinner plans with family. Soon the momentous day arrived. Bridget knew they would drive to her parents later in the afternoon for dinner, but she did not know that Jason would propose moments before leaving. Jason anxiously waited for the hours to pass, and eventually it was time… Before they departed Bridget informed Jason she had one last quick call to make for work, which gave Jason just enough time to prep. Jason shuttled Beau off to the bedroom to dress her for the surprise. He had a Windy City Smokeout T-Shirt from the same year the two had met, which he draped over Beau’s head. Beau could sense the excitement and could hardly wait for the big reveal. Bridget’s “quick” call lagged on for many minutes until Jason realized that the call would be anything but quick. So Jason took the shirt off Beau and “relaxed” on the couch. About 20 minutes later the call finally ended, and Jason lured Beau away once again, this time with jerky. They repeated the mechanics from the dress rehearsal and Jason sent Beau to go find Bridget. Confused, Bridget came into the bedroom asking why Beau had an outfit on. In the proceeding moments and against her better judgement, Bridget said, “yes”. They celebrated the occasion with family over dinner, which they carried-out from one of their favorite restaurants, Girl and the Goat, and paired with a variety of unique beer options from Goose Island’s Tap Room in Fulton Market.