In the spring of 2022, as the city was slowly defrosting and the roots of summer were taking hold, Maxine and Zach met. Their first date was drinks at Alive One, a cocktail bar near both of their apartments in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The bar was new to them; Zach had only recently discovered it through an electric skateboarding group he was quickly becoming a key member of. At the time, Maxine was considering a small but telling purchase: an electric scooter, her way of leaning into new adventures in Chicago and easier lakefront days. After their first date, something clicked — enough that within a week, the e-scooter had arrived and they assembled it together. It wasn’t long before riding side by side along the lake, with the skyline behind them and the water stretching out ahead, became the backdrop of their first summer together. Those rides became a constant. Through sunsets, breezy afternoons, and long conversations, they got to know each other — and fell in love. Their relationship grew naturally, shaped by shared interests and a mutual love for making the most of life in Chicago. Their life together has been built on the joys of small moments: morning dips in the lake, sailing days, grilling nights, long rides, and the fun of always exploring new things together. Their relationship has also fueled their shared love for one holiday in particular — Halloween. The couple takes pride in continuously raising the bar on their yearly Halloween party, usually full of lights, over-the-top details, and an apartment packed with friends. On a golden fall day in October 2025, Zach proposed near South Pond in Lincoln Park. Surrounded by autumn leaves and a skyline that had been there for so much of their story, Maxine said yes. Maxine and Zach are happiest building a life together filled with joy, new experiences, and the people they love most. They’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to celebrate their marriage — fittingly, on Halloween — with the family and friends who have been part of it all. And just like that first ride along the lake, they’re still side by side. 💜💚