It all began in 2017, when we met at the University Park Congregation. Through time spent together in field service alongside our close group of friends, we grew closer. In 2018, we started pioneering together and attended Pioneer School. Somewhere in those moments of shared conversations and laughter, a seed of love was planted. Over time, that seed blossomed into something undeniable. Soon, our thoughts naturally found their way back to each other, and what began as friendship became the start of our story.

What started as an afternoon with friends at the Brookfield Zoo for a light display show turned into one of the most meaningful moments of our lives. When plans suddenly changed, Linell effortlessly pivoted and turned our group outing into something spontaneous and personal, leading us to the Chicago Botanic Garden instead. Unbeknownst to me, the change of plans had been part of his proposal all along. As we walked hand in hand through the beautiful gardens, our close friends Chris and Rian quietly stood nearby, waiting to capture the perfect moment. Beneath two sweeping willow trees, in a setting that felt intimate and timeless, Linell asked me to spend forever with him. It was a moment filled with love, emotion, and joy, and for a little while, the rest of the world seemed to disappear around us. Afterward, we celebrated with a beautiful Italian dinner surrounded by our family and the people who had supported and encouraged our relationship from the very beginning. It was a wonderful start to this new chapter of our lives and a memory we will cherish forever.