The year was 2021 and we were in the depths of a pandemic. The world around us was chaotic and dark but the moment we met we felt an immediate light shining through. You know what they say, the night is darkest just before dawn. Our first date was at a swanky cocktail bar near both of our apartments. From the moment we met there was an instant connection, and not just because I told Zack that he is tall. ;) We both knew right away that it was the best first date we had ever been on. The more we got to know one another the harder we fell. We connected on so many levels, from movies & TV to basic, core values. We started traveling all around to new places such as Charleston, Sedona, Tulum, Miami, NOLA, and more! In August of 2022 we moved in together into a lovely 2 bedroom apartment in Roscoe Village. Living together was so much fun right off the bat. We found great restaurants around us to have a weekly date night (which Zack generously let my friends crash from time to time), and even a dive bar where we could play pool. It was very obvious that we would always be life partners.

On Valentine's Day of 2023 I came home from work, a sweaty mess from hitting the gym, only to see Zack sitting on the couch. I thought it was odd since he normally works from the second bedroom but I continued to unpack my things from the day. Zack started acting really weird, lingering around me while I put my lunch away and opened a couple of packages. He then finally blurts out, "There's a weird noise coming from the bedroom!" I glanced over and the bedroom door was closed. I knew right away there wasn't a weird noise but rather a surprise waiting for me in there, but what? My first thought was, "A puppy!" but knew that was unlikely. My second thought was, "Did he fly someone in, like my brother, to surprise me? No, that would be weird because it's Valentine's Day." The last guess that popped into my head was, "Did he hire a mariachi band for Valentine's Day?!" Knowing none of those were correct I decided to just go in there and figure out what was waiting for me on the other side. I cautiously opened the door, in fear of something jumping out at me, to the most gorgeous sight I had ever laid eyes on. Zack, with the help of his sister Annie and niece Olivia, had decorated our room with flowers, candles, and pictures of us over the years. Then, I look over to see a giant light up sign that said, "Will you marry me?" I was completely floored. Zack got down on one knee and said, "Gina, I love you so much..." and I honestly can't tell you what else he said after that because my mind was a blur. But then I heard him ask, "Will you marry me?" Shocked and still a little sweaty from the gym, I screamed, "Yeah! Yeah! I mean Yes. Definitely Yes!" (Because I didn't think "yeah" counted as a formal agreement.) We called our families and then I hurried to get ready for a surprise dinner Zack had arranged. First, we went back to the Dandy Crown, the cocktail bar where we first met, to have a celebratory drink. Then we went to Cabra for a delicious dinner. Luckily my friend was working and was able to be our server. She was so happy for us and kept giving us free champagne, cocktails, and incredible food. It truly was a night to remember!