We’re getting married!

After knowing each other since 2007, I responded to a (thirst-trap) Snapchat posted by Tavio on Valentines Day 2015. After several months of driving back and forth from Wrigleyville to Little Village, we finally made it official August 23rd, 2015. The first few years of us dating were marked by countless nights in Wrigley, sharing our first kiss at Red Ivy, bringing Tavio to my family vacation in Wisconsin, traveling the Midwest in my Honda Fit to wineries and breweries, so many Vegas Bombs, and Tavio moving in. The middle of our relationship was full of more memories. It continued with more wine, beer, late nights, sleepovers at Lisa’s house, and trips to Michigan, Door County, Madison, Portland, Port Townsend, Seattle, Lambeau Field, and more. It was marked by some scary times that only grew us closer and solidified us really being in this life together as a team. This final season of dating (as we transitioned to an engaged couple) has been our strongest yet. Waiting, what seemed sometimes like waaaay too long, was one of the best choices we’ve made! We’ve learned to communicate and show patience, empathy, and kindness to each other. We’ve learned to swallow our feelings of pride and apologize and we've learned to be there for each other on our best and worst days. Most of all, we learned to show appreciation and care in the ways that we know how to show it best. I am looking forward to the years to come. - Monica

The engagement was all about Monica. I realized Monica’s favorite band, Thursday, was coming to town, so I decided this is my chance to make it a special day for me to propose to her. The day of was already a win as the Packers beat the Bears (as usual). I remember both us laying in bed, and I said, “today is going to be a long day.” Monica said, “we’re just going to a concert.” (If she only knew…) I got a hotel room with a view of the water (Monica’s favorite: hotels and water). I made a reservation at the steak restaurant in the hotel in the casino hotel we were staying in (Monica’s favorite food: steak, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and red wine). Monica even played her favorite slot machine, Invaders From Planet Moolah. She ended up losing $20 and her favorite snow hat in the process, but it was recovered at the lost and found after I encouraged her to have hope that it would be found (another win!) We watched her favorite band play and then went back to the hotel where I tried to make sure my heart didn’t beat out of my chest from the nervousness. I used the excuse that I had to “freshen up” before we hit the casino. Monica came out of the bathroom, and I said “are you ready?” Monica said, “I thought you had to freshen up?” as I got down on one knee... And the rest is history! - Tavio