It all started with a simple “Hi.” Not exactly Shakespeare, but Corey’s one-word opener on Hinge was enough to get Whitney’s attention. We quickly discovered a shared love of travel — and as they say, the rest is history. After matching on October 30, 2022, we didn’t meet until a few weeks later. It was an unseasonably cold November day (26 degrees and windy ). Whitney very nearly canceled in favor of sweatpants and Netflix. But Corey was driving in from Tinley Park, so she bundled up and headed to First Draft. When Whitney walked in, Corey stood to greet her — and things just clicked. The conversation flowed as easily as the beer. The highlight? Whitney insisting she “wasn’t a beer girl” while confidently ordering a 10% Belgian Tripel. For Corey, a self-proclaimed beer snob, that was all it took.

After that first date, we were hooked. Daily texts, weekends packed with new restaurants, visits to Frank Lloyd Wright houses, and city adventures quickly became our norm. Corey introduced Whitney to the concept of a journey without a destination (translation: “let’s just drive and see where we end up”), while Whitney convinced Corey that city parking really isn’t that bad. Who knew the road to forever was paved with detours and parallel parking? One of the easiest matches, though, was with Whitney’s mini-schnauzer, Webster. It was love at first sight — Webster and Corey bonded instantly and are now thick as thieves. (Some might argue Corey was really dating Webster all along.)

On May 7, 2024, during a trip to St. Kitts & Nevis, Corey popped the question. Sitting on the balcony before dinner, he nervously blurted out that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Whitney — and asked if she felt the same (Spoiler: she did). We toasted with rum old fashioneds and celebrated with dinner, still buzzing from the fact that we were officially engaged.

A few weeks later, life decided to test us. All four of our parents faced health challenges that summer, and in the middle of it all, we also bought a house. So much for easing into engagement bliss — our summer was basically hospitals, moving boxes, and an accelerated course in adulting. It wasn’t glamorous, but it showed us exactly what we’re made of. We leaned on each other, laughed when we could, and came out stronger than ever. If we can survive that whirlwind, we can survive just about anything.

Now that life has calmed down (knock on wood), we’re ready to celebrate the good stuff. On July 11, 2026, we can’t wait to gather at the Chicago Athletic Association with our favorite people, raise a glass, and dance the night away. It’s going to be the official start of forever — and one heck of a party.