It all began in July 2023 with a swipe right — and an instant spark. From our very first conversation, it felt easy, natural, and exciting.

Our first date at J9 Wine Bar in Chicago almost didn’t happen thanks to a tornado warning, but we braved the weather (and the nerves) and are so glad we did. That night marked the beginning of something truly special.

By our second date, it was clear Adam was all in. He drove to Wisconsin to rescue me from a less-than-ideal camping trip, and we ended up walking through Milwaukee, swapping stories about our goals and dreams as the sounds of the Harley Davidson festival buzzed in the background.

As the months passed, our connection only deepened. We discovered a shared love for exploring new spots around the city, staying active, and spending quality time with animals — especially our favorite four-legged sidekick, Louie (aka Mr. Lou, or Louis as my dad likes to call him). With every adventure and quiet moment, we laughed more, supported each other endlessly, and quickly became not just a couple, but best friends.

In July 2024, we moved in together in Chicago, marking another big step in our journey. And in January 2025, while on a sunny vacation in Jamaica, Adam asked me to marry him — and I said yes!

We’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.

I remember the day I first met Lauren like it was yesterday. There was a tornado that ripped through Chicago an hour before we met. I walk into J9 wine bar and get this angry glare. My first thought was “Oh my god looks like this won’t go well”. I sit down we both say hello, and she asks to go to the bathroom.

Knowing how she is now, that should be expected when you go out with her. At the time I was a bit worried, but the thought of those cute blue eyes kept me optimistic. She sits down and we start talking and 2 hours later we are still having the greatest conversation. The bar ends up closing, but we did not want to go home. I was willing to be out all night with her and I did not care if it was a Wednesday night.

We end up leaving the bar. We are on the corner of Halsted and Armitage, and we are just staring at each other. I remember thinking “my god you are gorgeous” and I am also thinking “dang it’s a good thing I put my cologne on because I am sweaty”. Next thing you know we had our first kiss.

That’s when I knew I wanted to be with her forever. An hour later we got kicked out of a bar because we were “overserved”