In 2018 I was lucky enough to meet Justine on a blind date through a mutual friend. After an hour or so, we decided to extend the happy hour to a dinner date, during which we shared a bottle of wine, stories about our families and childhoods, and realized that there was something between the two of us. We walked around Lakeview for almost two hours, listening to the Hamilton soundtrack, and wishing we’d met sooner. It felt like we had known each other for years. I noticed the time (almost midnight- I didn't want to make a bad impression on the parents by getting her home late...oops) and decided that I couldn't just send this amazing girl off by herself, so I decided to take the train all the way to Evanston with her to make sure she got home safely. I walked her to her front door, kissed her goodnight, and left. It was then and there that we both knew this would be IT for us. I told my buddies a week later that this was the girl I was going to marry and I was spot on. My soon-to-be wife and I are so excited to have you with us as we celebrate our marriage -Jeff

Jeff, being the clever guy he is, actually had me on my toes for months leading up to this moment. He would ask me to go somewhere, encourage me to dress a bit fancy even if it was just a walk outside, pay to get my nails done, etc. He had me thinking it was happening at any moment, so when the day finally came, I was SO surprised because I was confident it was just another hoax. June 27th, 2020, Jeff and I were on our way to meet my parents for dinner at a local Evanston restaurant. He suggested that we stop and take a quick walk before eating, which I quickly agreed to as it was an excuse to eat more food and also a gorgeous day. The forecast actually predicted torrential rain and relentless storms, so when it was a cloudless blue sky it was a very pleasant surprise (not the only surprise coming my way that day). We decided to walk around a rose garden, smelling the flowers and enjoying each other's company. As we were walking, Jeff took my hand and spoke of how being together had been the best thing that had ever happened to him and how excited he is for all of our adventures and experiences together in the future. He got down on one knee and asked me if I would "do him the auspicious honor" of spending the rest of my life with him. I barely remember as I was so happy and surprised, but I do recall saying "uh-huh!!" in a state of joyful disbelief. Our parents and Jeff's youngest sister Jade popped out and started taking pictures and popping champagne. It was a perfect day! -Justine