We met in July 2016 through the magical algorithms of online dating - Tinder, to be specific. Laura always tells Steve how lucky he is that she saved him from finding out how "magical" online dating really is (she was only his third online date, whereas Laura had attempted online dating for years). Laura had a strict policy of not dating guys who lived in the suburbs, but luckily the suburban-dwelling Steve snuck through her filter because Tinder location-matched from his workplace in the city instead of his house. Our first date started on the patio of Happy Village and then moved to Gold Star, both bars in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. We both felt a spark and the next dates soon followed. Laura was pretty sure Steve liked her after he drove us both to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play in Millennium Park, then admitted he didn't actually like classical music.

We bonded quickly over our shared love of concerts and live music, delicious restaurants, running, and the beautiful city of Chicago. A day trip of hiking the trails of Starved Rock State Park, and an unfortunate encounter with slippery surfaces (ending with more mud on Laura than she would have preferred), soon solidified our feelings. We moved in together in August 2018, along with Steve's drooly bulldog Kevin and Laura's cranky cat Zambezi.

Steve surprised Laura by proposing on her birthday during a tasting menu at the Italian restaurant Spiaggia (a favorite of the Obamas, and cheffed by Top Chef Season 15 winner Joe Flamm). Laura thought they got one of the best tables overlooking Michigan Ave by chance, but really it was because Steve had called ahead and let them know of his plans. Steve got down on one knee, and Laura whispered that he should stop because people were watching. But then those people sent us free wine, so Steve's plan was better.

Laura is thrilled that she gets to spend the rest of her life with such a compassionate, funny man. Steve couldn't be more happy to share his days with such an inspiring, thoughtful and warm-hearted woman. Kevin is excited to spend his retired years in the big city, while Bezi is less excited that she will be continuing to live with Kevin.