____________________ We have so many things in common that we often joke, "magic is real." We share an obsession with bulldogs, a deep connection to nature, a love of jazz, the ocean, loads of nerdy sci fi stuff, video games, cooking, and finding balance between mind, body and Taco Bell. We're both creative powerhouses and have worked as professional artists. We both have brothers named Christopher. Ben even has a sister named Kate. We simultaneously overcame big health debacles and came out on top. We're both animated goofballs who make dumb faces for photos, and otherwise. We both have moms that told us to write our names in wet cement and then talked the police down when the neighbors called the cops. We even share a favorite Muppet — Gonzo. The list goes on. Your perfect nerd is out there; who knew? But really, we just work. We respect and trust each other completely, we communicate and we're open. The chemistry is electrifying. Sure, we're moving along pretty quick, but like a circle, love has no beginning and no end — it just exists. We hope you will join us this Leap Day in celebrating our timeless love. Because magic is real.

____________________ Like most modern love stories, this story began late at night and online. We both have bulldogs, so we took it from there... Our first date proceeded as if from a bygone era. Ben arrived at Kate's parents' home brandishing yellow roses and a bag of dog treats. He was greeted at the door by her parents who said she would be down shortly. Kate descended the staircase in a dress and kissed him on the cheek, like something out of a John Hughes movie. We went to the Chicago Botanic Garden, a special place to us both. Our walk around the grounds was practically perfect in every way. After taking in our favorite Japanese gardens, we walked out on the lawn overlooking the island only meant for the gods, and shared our first kiss. By the end of the first date we knew were in love. For our second date, we jumped in with both feet and Ben spent five days straight with the Cochranes at their lakehouse in Wisconsin. Just a few weeks later, Kate and Ben moved in to their new home in Lockport where they are living their happily ever after with Magnus the bulldog.

____________________ We were vacationing in Umbria, Italy with Kate's family and had a hot air balloon ride planned a few days in to the trip. On a beautiful morning, right as the sun began to pour over the hills above Assisi and the Chapel of St. Francis, Ben got down on one knee and proposed at 4200 feet in the sky. Kate was flabbergasted and shouted yes many times over the blasting burner. Complete bliss, racing hearts and a bit of ugly crying followed. After the balloon landed, we celebrated with champagne and prosciutto and spent the day getting lost together around wineries and olive orchards. We even pet goats! We ended the day on the veranda at the restaurant below our hotel/castle whispering sweet somethings over truffle risotto. It was a beautiful, incredibly romantic proposal and our hearts are still soaring.

____________________ Our ceremony and reception will be in Wilmette, Illinois at Michigan Shores Club... on the shores of Lake Michigan. It's kind of a Tudor castle, so we're really going for it and making this black tie optional. Plan on getting gussied up — we know we are! It is sure to be a gorgeous evening with live music, dancing and delicious food. Kate's mom, Lisa, has waited her whole life to put on a party like this, and if you know her, you know this wedding is in good hands. We look forward to sharing the best night of our lives with you. Our friends and family mean so much to both of us, so we hope you will join us this Leap Day.