Rebecca grew up in the middle of the pacific, Mehdi in the Middle East. Rebecca almost ended up in Memphis after graduate school, but at the last minute rolled the dice and landed her dream job in Chicago. Mehdi almost ended up in St. Louis, but at the last minute accepted an offer in Chicago. Rebecca had been in Lakeview but house hunting everywhere else in the city, Mehdi didn't even know Lakeview existed. Every house deal Rebecca made fell through, and a friend casually mentioned to Mehdi he might like Lakeview. That's how, from halfway around the world, we ended up living a ten minute walk from each other. Although we wish we could celebrate with everyone in person, we feel lucky to have an opportunity to include all of our loved ones in our special day. With our loved ones spread across the globe - a virtual wedding seems like a magical way to span time-zones and geopolitical divides. We can't wait to have a chance to cheer in person as well, but here's to being together, one way or another !