Where Do We Even Begin: Jeff and Kaitlyn had met in the 6th grade at the roller rink through mutual friends. Even though they went to different schools, up until college, they stayed in touch with one another. Junior year of high school, they went on their very first date. This was the same day that Jeff had gotten his drivers license. The two went to Dairy Mart in Huntley, where they talked for hours and caught up. In March of 2011, Jeff asked Kaitlyn to be his girlfriend, and it was from there that the story really began. They had met each other’s closest friends and family and quickly realized how special the people around them really were. Adulting: After finishing high school, going to college, and graduating with her Bachelors, Kaitlyn moved back home to start her post-grad life. Jeff was working full time after high school, and the two were enjoying their time together through the next stages in the relationship. They had talked about moving out, and wanted to start looking at places to get an idea of where they could start their future together. They found a few homes to look at and began their search. Lots of the places had potential, but there was one that felt the most like home for them both. In the summer of 2018, Kaitlyn and Jeff got the keys to their first home together in Carpentersville, Illinois.

On the afternoon of December 8th, Jeff suggested taking Jax for a walk at Veterans Acres. Kaitlyn found it odd he wanted to go across town to Crystal Lake, rather than the walking trail near their house. Jeff justified the location because Jax had not been there yet and it was more of a scenic area. They drove over and began to walk down a path that lead to a nearby dock overlooking the pond. Kaitlyn noticed the white lights wrapped around the railings of the dock, and though it was cute that Veterans Acres decorated for Christmas...quickly realizing that no other area had holiday decorations on them. After a few minutes, Jeff turned to Kaitlyn and took her by the hands. He asked her a simple question, but not THE question just yet: “You know I love you, right?” he asked. “Of course, and I love you too” was her response. “And you know that I’ll always love you, as in forever?” He says as he smiles and holds her hands a little tighter. Kaitlyn began to laugh and ask why he was asking all these questions. It was then that Jeff got down on one knee and pulled out a small wooden box, opening it to show the ring inside. Kaitlyn excitedly asked a combination of “what are you doing?!” and “are you serious?!” She of course said yes and couldn’t believe the moment she had been waiting for was finally happening. After some of the shock subsided, the two walked up a trail to see that her two friends, Alex and Haley were behind a tree with a camera! They congratulated Kaitlyn and Jeff and took a few more photos of the newly engaged couple. Kaitlyn learned that her friends had helped plan the entire event and made sure to stay hidden from view in order to capture the moment for them. Now it was time to tell the rest of the friends, as well as the families.

After the couple had FaceTimed a few close friends and family, they made their way to Kaitlyn’s parents house. There, both of their families were waiting to surprise them with an engagement party! It felt like the day couldn’t get any better, but Jeff had one final surprise. He told Kaitlyn to walk down to the basement, and then everything would be put together. At the bottom of the stairs, all of Kaitlyn and Jeff’s closest friends were there waiting to surprise them and celebrate! Kaitlyn was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t help but cry tears of happiness. Everyone they loved was under the same roof to show their support and celebrate this amazing day with them, which made it truly memorable. Jeff and Kaitlyn are so excited to plan their wedding and have all of their friends and loved ones together. October of 2021 will be the date of their fall wedding, with many more details to come! J&K