We’re tying the knot!

Our story starts in one of our favorite settings -- on a Chicago rooftop bar! As Colleen approached, she slipped her headphones in to impress John with her (at the time exaggerated) interest in music; she looked up to spot him in the corner of the bar and shyly looked away. John looked down from the corner of the rooftop with excited anticipation; when he saw her, he too quickly looked away and tried to play it cool. We spent the next couple of hours chatting about our many mutual interests -- music, beach volleyball, and travel — over another shared interest, IPAs. Colleen still remembers the kind look in his eyes, and the way he was quick to offer something to eat when she said her beer was getting to her. The first date ended with a quick kiss on the lips before establishing we would meet up at the music festival we were going to in just 2 days. We spent the rest of that summer going to many more concerts, street festivals, al fresco drinks/dining, and a couple of our close friends' weddings. As we grew together, we continue to find ourselves "on the go..." , traveling, working out together, running errands, and getting to know one another's family and friends. It follows somewhat naturally then that John's proposal was one of adventure, shared with many of our family and friends. As Colleen walked out of the nail salon with some girlfriends, her sister handed her the first teal envelope to send her on a scavenger hunt. At each stop along the way, a friend was there to catch up and guide her with John's handwritten notes to the next stop...ending at none other than the rooftop bar where our journey started. It was so special to join some of our family and friends for an engagement celebration afterward, and a perfect indication of how we choose to live our lives...to the fullest, with those nearest and dearest to our hearts by our sides.