Celebration of Marriage

We quickly bonded over shared passions for the outdoors, dogs, and cooking. As we explored these interests together, we discovered we had more in common, including the fact that we were both pursuing Ph.D.s and shared similar values. Our personalities complement each other beautifully: Chengjie’s extroverted, adventurous, and optimistic nature balances William’s more introverted tendencies. This dynamic fostered a strong connection, allowing us to spend more time together. What started with a weekend walk around the Capitol and State Street in Madison grew into spending most weekdays together. As we spent more time together, we explored Madison through bike rides, hikes, and walks, all while bonding over our shared love for dining out and reviewing restaurants. Our connection continued to grow, and Chengjie’s dream of being a “giant dog owner” soon became a reality. After discussing our mutual love for dogs and the breeds we liked, we began researching costs and breeders. Soon, we put a deposit down for Romeo, our lovely English cream golden retriever, who now weighs a giant 100 pounds. We brought him home on March 2nd, 2024, and he has been a cherished part of our lives ever since. We decided to have a small, intimate wedding ceremony on October 6th, 2024—Romeo’s nine-month birthday. The ceremony was attended by close family, with Chengjie’s advisor officiating. The reception will take place on June 7th, 2025, at William’s grandparents’ property. Although we initially considered a spring wedding on June 6th, we chose June 7th because it holds special significance as it is William’s grandparents’ anniversary. Looking ahead, we plan to complete our degrees and have a bigger family, ultimately aiming to build a future together as professors.