Zak and Lexi's relationship began like any great modern love story in Chicago, fall of 2016. Zak, a boy from New Jersey, embarked on law school, while Lexi, a girl from New York, began her year of service at City Year. Neither were looking for anything serious as they adjusted to living in a new city. One night, while out with friends, their eyes locked as they both reached for the same chocolate chip cookie at The Vig. It was love at first sight! Or perhaps, it all started with a magical app, where two people swiped right! 😉 Over that first year, Zak and Lexi fell for each other over their shared love of going to the movies, the beach, enjoying a delicious mug of coffee, being close to family, and finding the closest thing to a NY bagel. At the end of their first year in Chicago, Lexi made the difficult decision to return to NYC to pursue her master's degree. Despite the challenges of a new relationship and both being back in school, Lexi offered Zak an out. However, Zak quickly reassured Lexi that he was in it for the long haul. As Zak likes to say, one successful trip to Rehoboth, and he was hooked. It's not often that you find someone else who can sit on the beach for 5+ hours a day and just relax! Over the next few years, Lexi and Zak navigated the challenges of a long-distance relationship with frequent trips between NYC and Chicago. Their love continued to grow over date nights at Gracie Mews in NYC or Mario's Table in Chicago. As they prepared to graduate and begin their careers, they discussed their future and where they saw themselves. One thing always seemed to align—New York City. Both were certain they wanted to call NYC home and build a life there together. In early March 2020 (right before the world shutdown, phew), Zak secured a job with the Brooklyn DA and began his move back to the East Coast. While Covid disrupted their plans, Zak and Lexi were prepared to spend a little more time apart. This time, it was the final stretch! They reunited in July 2020 and moved to Rehoboth Beach to spend the summer living with Lexi's Grandma and brother. What a way to end a long-distance relationship! It was a magical summer nonetheless! In October 2020, Zak moved into the city. Since distance had always been a challenge, Zak was determined and secured an apartment just 489 feet away from Lexi! Every night, Zak would join Lexi and her roommate for dinner (sorry Christy!). After a year, it was time for Zak and Lexi to move in and eliminate any more distance forever! In July of 2023, after 7 years, Zak finally popped the question in their happy place, Rehoboth Beach. Recreating date nights from the summer of 2020, Zak arranged beach chairs and lobster rolls to create the perfect distraction for his proposal. Zak and Lexi are thrilled to celebrate their wedding with you in their home city, filled with all the things and people they both love most about it!