LET OUR ADVENTURE BEGIN.

It all started at a 4th of July pool party in 2021! Joe flew in from Arizona for the party, and Karlie had just returned from New Zealand. Thanks to the matchmaking from Joe’s sister-in-law and Karlie’s work bestie, Kenzie, the two of us met. At the party, Karlie thought Joe was smiley, cute, super sweet, and very easy to beat in shotgunning a beer. Joe thought Karlie was short, had a great smile, laughed at all his jokes, and clearly went to a fun college based on how fast she chugged her beer. Fast forward to Labor Day weekend: Joe invited Karlie to his softball tournament so he could show off his sick softball skills. From there, we started a two year long-distance relationship full of red-eye flights, late night FaceTimes, and too many airport goodbyes. Karlie flew to Arizona whenever she could, and Joe started visiting home more often or made a ‘work trip’ to fly back home. In June 2023, Joe moved back to Illinois and in with Karlie. Nothing says love like assembling IKEA furniture and debating how much closet space Joe actually needs. On the morning of the big day, Karlie subtly laid out the dress she’d previously mentioned to Joe, “I want to get engaged in this dress.” The two headed to Starved Rock and visited August Hill Winery for a wine tasting in the cave. Afterward, they climbed a steep hill to the vines, where Joe proposed surrounded by the stunning scenery. Our hearts have been filled with love and gratitude ever since, and we can’t wait to celebrate our love with the people who mean the most to us. Cheers!