We're getting married!

Let's rewind to March 2021 when the universe decided it was time for our paths to cross. I was living in St. Louis at the time and casually asking my line sister, Tiara, for a financial advisor. That's when she introduced me to Will. The rest, as they say, was history in the making. Our first Zoom chat was supposed to be all professional, but I couldn't help but notice how cute he was. Naturally, I immediately text Tiara to ask if he’s single and if it’s unprofessional to make a move. Her advice “Never mix business with pleasure.” But fate had other plans. We’d text every now and then wanting to continue talking but also trying to tread lightly. Then he asks for my Instagram to follow my Arizona trip. That’s when I started to feel like it wasn’t just me that was interested. I get back from my trip, and our chats continue. Then one day at the end of a meeting, Will goes, 'Ask me any 3 questions and I’ll answer them honestly.' That was all the confirmation I needed. He’s definitely feeling me too. After that, we just clicked! Conversations and getting to know each other was effortless! Fast forward to May, I'm camping in Southern Illinois while Will's out in Seattle. He cracks a joke about my timing, and I'm thinking, 'Okayyy! He getting a little more flirty!' I missed a call at 2am (he forgot Seattle was 2 hours behind). I call him back the next morning and he shoots his shot! Can you tell it landed? June comes along, and I visit Chicago. That weekend was amazing! Not only did Will plan everything but planned things based on what I love. We went to Coopers Hawk for a wine tasting and then to Promontory Point. It’s this spot with an amazing view of the lake and city skyline. We went a little after 11pm and that’s when the park closed. So when the police shined the light to see if anyone was still out there, we both knew the assignment without saying a word. We ducked behind the rocks until they left so we could stay longer. Man! That was a really funny moment. If only you could’ve been there to witness it first hand. And right after that, he asks me to be his girlfriend! The next month, I moved back to Kansas City but distance couldn't dull our connection. For a year, we flew back and forth between Kansas City and Chicago. Then, a sign from the universe, I got a job in Chicago just as my lease was ending. Packed my bags and officially moved in July 2022. Fast forward to February 2023, Will proposed! And now, July 2024, you will all witness me marrying my person. The love of my life!

Sydney swept into my life unexpectedly. I first met her in a professional setting where I had the pleasure of learning about her story and vision for the future. To this day, I cannot remember specifically what she began to say, but I remember the lasting impression on my life her outlook had within the first 13 minutes. On our first date, a surprise adventure to Promontory Point in Chicago, marked the beginning of our journey watching the sunset on the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan. As we spent more time together the following months, I was able to experience her positivity, see the great relationships she built with her family and friends, and tagalong for the adventure she always likes to have. There wasn’t an individual moment where I “knew”, but as we shared time with each other‘s families for Thanksgiving, attended gala’s and charity events, spent time at home in our pajamas watching goofy movies, travelled together, or showed up as the +1 to each other’s work holiday parties, I began to notice that my life was remarkably better simply because she was around. She was the missing piece and that was all I needed to know…