We are so excited to celebrate with everyone!

We met at a local dive bar on weekly karaoke night in February 2014. Ethan worked third shift at a local diner, so he would stop in at karaoke on the way to work and occasionally put in a song. Kelsey was a crowd favorite with her radiant stage presence and her rock-solid repertoire of Janis Joplin and Prince singles. Seeing Kelsey perform was a weekly highlight for Ethan, so much that he eventually switched shifts to stick around. We talked on a few occasions, as much as you can in a crowded bar, but we didn’t really hit it off until Ethan asked for a dance. The song was “Just What I Needed”, by the Cars. He scored her number that night. Ethan impressed her with his limited knowledge of pet toxicology. “Did you know that you cannot induce vomiting in rabbits?” he asked. “Nor rats!” she said.

Months later, on one of our frequent dog park outings, we made the decision to move to the Pacific Northwest together to seek some adventure. Our relationship really started in earnest that day. We decided to land in Portland, OR, packed up our most precious Zola Dog, and a few necessary items and made the cross-country drive. We loved living in Oregon: hiking, swimming in the river, weekend getaway trips, frequent visits with Ethan’s family, and spending time with old friends while forging some new friendships. After 4.5 years, we decided to move back to Illinois once Ethan finished his degree to be closer to family and friends. Ethan is currently working with RPC as a software developer and Kelsey will finish her nursing degree in May.