We are so excited to celebrate with you!

Ryne and Ashley met in a bar and he bought her a drink. While this may be the way many couples initially meet, there was something special within this ordinary encounter. They sparked up a good conversation over a couple of beers and within that conversation, Ashley had expressed how she wanted to spend her summer break exploring the real Chicago - not the touristy stuff and places she was so used to going during her undergrad experience at Loyola University. Let's just say Ryne did not disappoint. He helped kickstart that adventure right then and there on that night by taking her to a few of his favorite bars around the city. From a bar arcade, Headquarters (where he royally kicked her butt in Bubble Hockey and Burger Time), to a jazz club, The Green Mill, and a few other bars in between, their conversations continued and they shared a lot of laughs. It was one of the best dates either one had ever been on, and they knew that night they had something special. Now 7 years later, they couldn't be more excited and ready to celebrate the beginning of the rest of their lives together!

It was a cold and rainy Friday morning as Ashley went to get her nails done (she had an inkling that this trip to the Botanical Gardens was not going to be just any ordinary visit - of all days to insist on going, why not reschedule to a day it was nicer?). Ashley picked up some matching umbrellas in anticipation of the rain on the way home (they didn't own any umbrellas at this time anyway and it was clear they may be needed on this adventure). Ryne had insisted on getting dressed up so they would be ready to go to their Michelin star dinner later that evening so Ashley dressed up in a brand new dress she had bought the week before shopping with Jessica (maid of honor) and Ryne wore his suit. They set out to the botanical garden, umbrellas in hand. Though the weather was not ideal, the gardens were magically quiet - not a single other person to be found. They had almost the entire gardens to themselves. Ryne took the lead, and led him and Ashley on a walk around the gardens. He led her to this space under a beautiful pergola where they were able to take shelter from the drizzle that was continuing to come down. Taking in the beautiful fall foliage for a little bit, Ryne waited for the perfect moment (and the photographer to finish making his way to where they were) and then it happened. He embraced his soon to be fiancée with a hug and a kiss and got down on one knee. Even though she had an idea that this might have happened that day, nothing prepared her for this moment. Overwhelmed with love and joy, she said "yes!" The rain had started to lighten up and their photographer led them to some beautiful locations to photograph this special moment. They returned home to get re-freshened up for dinner: a 12-course meal at Goosefoot. They savored every moment of the experience, bringing wine and champagne to heighten the experience. The food was delicious and all centered around the restaurant's current theme: Woodstock. There were screens on the ceiling with a video reel of the sky with clouds that created the feeling you were outside and a miniature display in the middle of the restaurant with trees and miniature cars displayed in front of a screen with a video of the performances that took place at Woodstock. Natural elements, such as tree/wooden decor and edible flowers were incorporated into the food dishes. It was pure magic and a full-on multi-sensory culinary experience. The surprise and fun did not stop there. Little did Ashley know that Ryne had also planned a surprise engagement celebration, and that family and friends would be waiting at their house to congratulate and celebrate with them. What an absolutely perfect and beautiful day that Ryne and Ashley will remember for the rest of their lives.