We Eloped!

Mariyah and Renee met on Hinge in the summer of 2021, at a time when neither expected that one swipe would turn into forever. Renee had recently moved to Naperville and was looking forward to a fun Chicago summer. Mariyah was living in Bloomington, IL coaching women’s basketball at Illinois State University. She had been spending more time in the city to be closer to her family. After Renee and Mariyah matched, they spent a few weeks chatting and decided to meet in person on a whim during the last weekend of July. That first date was unforgettable. With no reservation or plan, they drove around the city until landing at Half Sour, where they both coincidentally ordered salmon with a side of mac and cheese, sipped wine, and talked for hours about family, music, and life. When dinner ended, neither was ready to say goodbye, so they took a drive through the city, listened to music, and made a stop in Evanston to see Mariyah’s hometown. The connection was instant and undeniable. From that night on, they spent nearly every weekend together. Their lives, friends, and families blended effortlessly, and by November 2021, they officially started dating. In 2022, Mariyah made a career change to be closer to family, and soon after, they moved in together. Now they call Warrenville home, where they live with their beloved golden retriever, Griffin, and their cat Francesca (Frankie). Over the past four years, they’ve built a life filled with travel, concerts, game nights, great food, lots of laughter, and deep love. From countless trips to Europe to discovering new restaurants and dreaming about the future, they’ve grown side by side every step of the way. In September, Mariyah planned a trip for them to visit Renee’s family in London before they headed to Italy. After traveling through Rome, Florence, and Lake Como, Mariyah proposed on a private boat in front of the Ponte Della Civera bridge and waterfall on September 29th, 2025. It was an unforgettable moment in the most perfect setting. On January 23rd, 2026, Mariyah and Renee chose to make it official in the most meaningful way - eloping in an intimate ceremony that reflected their love, commitment, and the life they’ve built together. While their marriage began quietly, their hearts are full as they look forward to celebrating this next chapter with their family and friends. They are also excited to begin their own family with one another. Mariyah and Renee are endlessly grateful for the love and support that has surrounded them and can’t wait to continue this journey together.