We technically "met" on Bumble a week earlier (thanks Katie). Geoff asked me out to Zoo Lights, but later "upgraded" to dinner at Big Jones (guess I passed the text test, lol). Right after we sat down, a brass quartet walked into the restaurant, came up to our table and played Christmas carols! I remember thinking this is something you tell your kids one day... (yes, that "too soon" thought popped in my head! ... but it was a pretty magical - like in those cheesy, yes I totally watch them, Netflix Christmas movies!). We spent the rest of the night talking and enjoying the restaurant's famous Artillery Punches until we closed the restaurant down. We go back to Big Jones every anniversary, but we've never seen carolers again. I like to think it makes the night we met that much more special. ...And certainly a magical Christmas moment we'll tell our kids about!

I was working late and Geoff was busy in the kitchen making his famous pizza, per usual. Despite my covid casual attire, the night felt more special when we opened our favorite Tili wine because it was my birthday week (no complaints!). After dinner, Geoff said I should open our Christmas advent calendar. I of course reminded Geoff it was his night to open it... and when he did, he said, "There's no chocolate!" I sat up from the couch confused... "How can there be no chocolate?!" I looked down and instead of chocolate, I saw the ring!! I started laughing and crying as Geoff got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said YES about a million times!!

Italy here we come!! We'll tie the knot in the small town of Spello, which has become a home away from home (and where Tili wine is from). Coincidentally, Geoff and I discovered during our lengthy Alberti family research that Spello is near the original Alberti family land (circa 900 AD). The literature went on to say the Alberti family gifted some of the land to the Catenacci family - my grandmother's maiden name!! It only took 1100+ years for our Italian families to be reunited again, but here we are! The world works in beautiful ways, and we cannot wait to promise forever to each other in this magical and meaningful place.

We're so excited to become Mr. & Mrs. Alberti. After we return from Italy, we look forward to celebrating with all of you in Chicago! XO, Linds & Geoff