Joel and I met at the Mayflower pictured above at the University of Iowa fall of 1998. I lived on the 8th floor and Joel lived on the 4th floor. We became fast friends enjoying parties, attending Hawkeye football games, and playing pool with friends. We maintained our friendship for 15 years making time to get together once a year after we graduated. In June of 2013 Joel and his cousin Mike decided to catch a Cubs game in Chicago. That weekend, we met up a few times. When Joel left on Sunday to take Mike to the airport it was bittersweet. I thought to myself, why is it that I don't want him to leave? I text him to wish him a safe drive. He responded quickly stating "I just dropped my cousin at the airport and I am trying to fight the urge to turn around and ask you where you want to have dinner." That moment, I knew there was something between us. From then on...the rest is history. Here we are almost 9 years later getting ready to tie the knot and share our special day with all of you!