From Here to There

Blake (re)met Jennifer on July 1st, 2016 on very unexpected terms. Blake was performing an improv set that Friday night and Jennifer was meeting up with mutual friends. Blake got an invite to join them with a nudge that Jennifer is the one that caught Blake’s eye some time back. On that notion, Blake immediately joined the group for cocktails and laughs the rest of the evening. Blake drove Jennifer home while discussing they have never been to Green Mill jazz club even with Jennifer living right by it. So, Blake used this as an in and asked for her number with the intention of taking her to a Green Mill show. Jennifer didn’t get the vibe has she nonchalantly grabbed Blake’s phone, typed in her number and got out of the car. Two weeks pass.* Blake texts Jennifer during work hours for an invite to take a walk on Chicago’s Riverwalk, which is located between their offices. A quick “Yes” from Jennifer and then the traditional meetups began. During these times, they learned more about each other, especially how much Blake sweats during a Chicago summer. These walks continued but what really solidified their relationship was their trip to Austin. Jennifer wanted to see a band play in Chicago but it was sold out. Blake looked online to where the band was playing next and it happened to be Austin for the annual ACL concert. Blake bought two tickets and asked if Jennifer wanted to go to Austin with him to see the band play. Not only did this propel the relationship but it also was the foundation of their travel adventures. From Austin to New York to Denver to Portland to Providence to Boston to Punta Cana to Paris to Sicily, Blake and Jennifer are travel partners for life. They are on a journey together for their relationship and around the world. They still haven't been to Green Mill for a jazz show yet. *Yes, two weeks. Oh stop giving Blake a hard time about it. It worked out didn’t it?!

Blake and Jennifer visited their friends, Maria and Ben, who stay in Bagheria, Sicily, every summer. Keep in mind, this was only a couple months after visiting Paris last April! With their week set, Blake and Jennifer only had one day to themselves, so they visited Palermo, Sicily’s largest and most visited city. After an intense yet fun drive into the city (small cars + fast drivers = craziness), the two of them toured the city’s markets, harbors and monuments. After a hot yet successful long day, Jennifer noticed Blake’s pace and alertness was still at an all-time high. Right before they got to their car to return to Bagheria, Blake insisted to stop in front of the Teatro Massimo, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. With tourists and locals all gathered at the footsteps, Blake seemed panicked. Jennifer approached Blake and exchanged pleasantries about being great travel partners. Jennifer went in to hug Blake then immediately jumped backward and asked, “Are you OK,” reacting to Blake’s heart beat pumping at 10,000 beats per second. Blake then bent down on one knee and asked the question.* Jennifer quickly nodded and nodded again. Then realized she didn’t vocalize and answer and belted out a “Yes!” For the next half hour, they were constantly smiling and laughing at what just happened. It also could have been the pistachio gelato they bought immediately afterwards. On their way back, they called their families with reactions of positivism and love. The next day, the word spread to their friends, which had some reactions they will never forget. Engaged July 19th, 2019. *Note, many asked if Blake popped the question in Italian. Blake’s response, “My nerves barely got me through speaking in English, let alone Italian.”