Jake and Ilana originally met while staffing a Jewish Teen Tour together in the Summer of 2011 (shout out to USY for being the Matchmaker). Although Jake was technically Ilana's boss, they formed mutual crushes on each other that summer. As the summer came to a close, they both knew things had to end since Ilana was heading back to Rutgers and Jake to Maryland, and both believed that was the end of their story. Ilana moved to Israel to enlist in the IDF and Jake moved to New York after graduation to begin his career. As fate would have it, though, after four years of very minimal contact they found themselves reconnecting through Snapchat chat (in true millennial fashion) and decided to meet up when Ilana came back to America. It only took some sushi, wine, and a few hours of catching up to re-ignite their past crushes. The rest is history as they began dating soon after and are incredibly happy with where their story has taken them!

If you truly know Ilana, you know that since she was a child, she has been completely obsessed with penguins. Luckily for her, Jake has always been supportive of this obsession, allowing the penguin decor to slowly march its way into their apartment. But he showed his true devotion to her "passion" with his epic penguin proposal. A few weeks prior to the big day (second to the wedding), Jake lied to Ilana...sorry, TOLD Ilana that his friend's friend works at the Bronx Zoo and could get them free tickets to the penguin encounter- the classic friends' friend cover-up. As any penguin fanatic would, Ilana excitedly agreed. Jake was on a mission and was able to manipulate her into choosing the exact date he had already set up with the zoo. The day quickly approached and the two marched their way to the Bronx zoo. As the tour began, the group was led into a small room where four penguins waddled out. Of course, Ilana started freaking out and could not stop smiling. She couldn't believe she was actually touching and playing with real penguins- her dream come true! After playtime with the penguins the tour guide suggested visiting the penguin exhibit. It was there, in front of the penguins, that Jake got down on one knee, gave Ilana his pebble like a true penguin, and asked Ilana to marry him. She of course said yes and their march to matrimony began. Thinking that the night would end with a romantic dinner together they headed back home to change. Jake, however, had a better plan and when Ilana opened the door her family was waiting there to celebrate! Behind them, Jake's family who came all the way from Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Los Angeles were all there to celebrate the happy occasion as well. Ilana could not have thought up a more perfect day. Both Ilana and Jake are so excited to celebrate their marriage with you all in Northbrook in September when they happily march down the aisle.