In the dazzling city of Las Vegas, destiny played its hand on a cool January day in 2015. Joanna had orchestrated a birthday weekend escapade with her sister Bonnie, inviting family to join her in the celebration. Her cousin Christine drove from Arizona, and serendipitously, Jack decided to tag along for the adventure. At that time, Joanna was living in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago with her roommate Tresa, while Jack was stationed in Tucson, serving in the border patrol. Little did they know that this fateful birthday trip to Las Vegas would set the stage for a love story that would span the miles between them. As the festivities in Vegas drew to a close, Joanna found herself headed straight to Los Angeles for a company kick off. On a whim, she asked Jack if he'd consider spending the following weekend with her in L.A. To both of their surprise, Jack managed to get off work and promptly booked a flight to join her. It was during those precious moments in L.A. that they both realized this connection was more than mere happenstance. In August 2015, just eight months after their initial meeting, they embarked on a romantic journey to Italy visiting Venice, Florence, and Rome. The whirlwind of their first year continued as Joanna made the bold decision to move to Tucson in September, and in October, they welcomed Misha, a King Charles Cavalier puppy, into their lives. Their love story became a tapestry of adventures, each chapter woven with the threads of travel and late night conversations. Destinations included Seattle, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, New Orleans, Hawaii, and a return to Chicago for Lollapalooza. In August 2017, they extended their family with the addition of Luca, an Australian Shepherd puppy. By October 2017, they decided to officially return to the vibrant streets of Chicago, settling in Lakeview right along Lakeshore Drive and Belmont. Their love blossomed against the backdrop of the city's skyline. In January 2019, they ventured to Norway, where the Northern Lights danced in the sky on Joanna's birthday in unimaginable beauty. The turning point arrived in April 2019 when they purchased their first home together in Palatine, IL, solidifying their commitment to a shared future. Yet, the most magical moment was still to come.

In the summer of 2023, Jack and Joanna found themselves in the enchanting city of Amsterdam, with Jack orchestrating a surprise that would forever change their lives. The first night featured a dreamy canal tour, and as "Ho Hey" by the Lumineers filled the air, Jack knelt down on one knee, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. With a voice filled with emotion, he declared, "It's time the world knows that I belong with you, and you belong to me. Will you marry me?" Shock and disbelief overwhelmed Joanna as she repeated, "Are you serious?" before finally exclaiming, "YES!" We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you at The Morton Arboretum!