We're getting married!

A good friend of ours often playfully jokes that “nothing good comes out of a VFW bar.” Yet, Tommy and I are living proof that something wonderful can—and in our case, did—emerge from a VFW bar. Not to mention the incredible work the VFW & Auxiliary does to help veterans and their families, but I'll save that for another time. We met when I began volunteering as a bartender at the Wheaton VFW, where Tommy had already been donating his time for a few years. Initially, we didn’t connect well; in fact, I’ve jokingly said he didn’t even like me at first, which he will completely deny, but we both know it’s true! We were merely acquaintances, and it wasn’t until a few years later that we started to become friends. If I were to pick one moment as the turning point in our relationship, I would say it was when I invited him to the charity bags tournament for Relay for Life that I support and participate in annually. I was not sure I was ready to date anyone, and was still a little clueless that he was even into me. With some gentle encouragement from my friend Jen (my matron of honor), who apparently had not missed the way Tommy looked at me, the seed was planted for us to grow closer and soon start dating. From the outset, our closest friends predicted we would one day get married. We’ve been referred to as each other’s spouses so often that we for the most part have given up correcting people. While some expected us to say “I do” much sooner, we chose to take our time. Tommy’s response to questions about when he would propose was typically, “Like any fine bourbon, you have to let it age for four years,” usually earning him an eye roll from me. Yet, he wasn’t far off—our wedding is just seven months before our four-year anniversary as a couple, and I couldn’t be more excited. I look forward to the moment someone asks if that is my husband, and I can finally and honestly respond, “Yes, he is!” - Jen (the Bride)

So no s*** there I was, bored on a Friday night. I called my friend Leo, who happens to be the Commander of the VFW, to see what was going on with him. His response was, “What do you think I’m doing dumb***, I’m setting up for fish fry.” I asked if he needed any help and he asked “Why would you want to do that? This place will eat you alive.” I told him I was bored, which got a pretty good laugh out of him before he said to come on in with a promise that he would “put me to work” – and does he ever! Fast forward a couple of years I was still volunteering at the post, it hadn’t quite eaten me alive but it may have come close a few times. I still remember when Jen started. All I could do when I first saw her was look at her eyes and think about how pretty they are. (To this day I still look into her eyes and tell her she’s beautiful every chance I get). Over the next couple years we slowly became friends. While she only saw me as a friend at first, my feelings for her grew. Clearly I hid them well since she still thinks I hated her at first and that I took a while to warm up to her. Eventually though I worked up the nerve to start flirting with her, trying out every corny pick up line I knew, and trust me, the list of them is LONG! Each time I saw her walk back to the kitchen or come into a room I was in I would say a new one, which usually would make her laugh, roll her eyes, or tell me I’m dumb - sometimes all three! I remember one day we were both working at the post, finishing up our volunteer shifts, me cleaning up in the hall, her in the bar. I got a text from her telling me she was hungry and I should buy her food. All I could think was “Oh my god, I get to take her out!”. I was thrilled! As we left, I asked where she wanted to go and she suggested we go to Chrissy’s in Carol Stream, so we headed there. This was our first date. It was April 3, 2022. I couldn’t help feeling like I was the happiest person alive and of course, nervous as hell. We laughed a lot that night and it was the start of an amazing relationship which continues to be the best thing in my life to this day. - Tommy (the Groom)

Ok, I don't have a story to share, but just wanted to add... "Hey Tiny, can I call you dad now?" - Christian (Jen's Son)