From attending the same high school and having older sisters that were friends with each other, we were both generally aware of the other's presence. I became acutely aware of Dan at the exact moment he blasted through a STOP sign near the high school and nearly smashed into me with his red 1995 Dodge Ram. I am proud to say that both of us have improved our driving skills since then.

He insisted on making the dinner reservations himself, that's when I knew something was up. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago, reminiscing about our 10 years together. My heart was racing, and I methodically planned what to do with my hands when he inevitably got down on one knee in this room FULL of people. At least the sweat would make it easier for the ring to slide onto my finger. The main course passed, dessert passed, and we got up to leave. Perhaps tonight was not "the night". When we arrived home I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water to replenish my body's lost fluids, and when I came back he was down on one knee, with the ring. I immediately said yes without a single thought of what to do with my hands. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you!

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to get married on our original date, albeit with far fewer friends and family in attendance than we would have liked. The ceremony took place at the Staudacher Family Farm with a menagerie of mostly clean animals overseeing our vows. We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone we love at the reception!