Jillian and Chloé's love story is a beautiful one – one of serendipity and connection, woven together by threads of joy and romanticism. Their paths first crossed thanks to a mutual friend who was, at the time, Jillian's roommate's sister who happened to be in graduate school with Chloé. In October of 2021, Jillian and Chloé heard about each other for the first time, sparking a curiosity that would slowly grow into something much more. Although they heard about one another in October of 2021, it wasn’t until March of 2022 that they finally met in person. Their first date felt effortless, starting at Extra Virgin in Kansas City and ending down the street at La Bodega to top off the night with churros. From this night, Chloé particularly remembers Jillian initiating a "CHEERS!" at the beginning of their meal and feeling like this was the start of a beautiful connection. Jillian recalls being drawn to Chloé's fun energy and playful banter and arrived back home feeling like 3 hours together wasn't nearly enough. That evening was filled with shared stories, laughter, flirtatious energy, and the sense that something truly special was unfolding. As weeks turned into months, both Jillian and Chloé felt their connection deepening. For Jillian, the moment of certainty came when she received a handwritten poem from Chloé, sent in the mail. It was in that moment, holding the paper and tearfully reading Chloé’s words, that Jillian knew she wanted to spend her life with Chloé. Jillian finds it important to note that many, many handwritten notes have followed that initial letter in the mail, and it is one of Jillian's favorite gifts to receive from Chloé. For Chloé, it was a snowy winter night at Ça Va that she knew for sure. Over soft conversation and shared laughter, Chloé felt the depth of Jillian’s gentle spirit, one of the qualities that had drawn her in since the beginning. As they talked about their lives and the love they shared, an overwhelming sense of gratitude filled the space between them. It was in that moment that Chloé knew for certain: Jillian was the person she wanted to spend forever with. A little over two years after they first met, Jillian and Chloé got engaged, marking the next chapter in their love story, a story that began with an off-the-whim introduction and is blossoming into a forever together. Cheers to the Wardsmiths!