How it Began

Aly and Oscar first became aware of each other on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in 2021. Although not yet introduced, they shared mutual friends and ended up sitting across from each other in Luddy, the university’s dining hall, and often gathering for social outings.

Aly immediately caught Oscar’s eye in a way no one had before. He even recalls what she was wearing the first time he saw her. Although there was no denying Aly was gorgeous and had a great sense of style, Oscar could see there was so much more to her than her outward appearance and wanted to learn more. With no information other than her first name, not even certain about the spelling, he did what any person does in 2021 when they want to know more about someone – he went to Instagram. Except Instagram revealed not much more and it was not until Oscar had a conversation with Aly’s friend, and now roommate, Kacie, that he learned anything at all. As their friend groups continued to socialize, Oscar knew he wanted to spend more time with Aly to discover what was behind the energetic and comedic woman he was so attracted to.

It was Oscar’s quiet, observant nature Aly found so intriguing each time they were in each other’s presence and she found herself wanting to know who was behind the strong and silent persona. So, Aly did what any extrovert does and officially introduced herself to Oscar and so it began.

When they knew it was Love

One evening, while sharing details and stories about loved ones over each other’s camera rolls, Oscar and Aly realized this was a relationship with an undeniable future. Although Oscar cannot pin the ‘when I knew’ to a single moment, he can fondly recall a spell where he explains, “It was easy to fall in love with Aly. She is a light to the world. I have never known anyone as smart as she is funny but is honest and will also keep you on your toes.”

Aly became aware early on of Oscar’s supportive and encouraging nature. She said after discovering these qualities, “I knew the moment I realized how deeply compassionate, patient, and wise Oscar is, what kind of husband he would be. He completely won me over. When I began to know his family, I could see reflections of each of them in Oscar and I could see myself being part of that. He cares deeply about his loved ones, is intentional, and always tries to do the right thing in every circumstance.”

Once they separated for winter break, both knew they disliked being apart and spent much of that time continuing to grow their relationship long distance.

How it’s Going

So, after an almost three-year-long romance and an idyllic marriage proposal under Monet’s Palazzo Dario at the Art Institute of Chicago, Aly excitedly agreed to trade Lopez for Lauer and here we are.

The happy couple is making plans and dreaming of a future together. They are looking forward to the simple things like coming home to one another after a day of work, taking adventures, growing together, and ultimately starting a family and raising children.

To Each of You

Each of you has played a role in our love story, and poured love and support into our lives, individually or as a couple. We are grateful. We cannot wait to celebrate our love story with you.

Places to Stay

Crowne Plaza Chicago SW - Burr Ridge, an IHG Hotel