We can all agree that 2020 was pretty much the most romantic year in the history of years.

Alyssa and Jon connected on Hinge in late September and immediately began flirting about the neverending search for toilet paper during the end of the world. Soon, they planned a Zoom date (you all remember those) but, like a damn fool, Jon took the video call while making dinner after working late. The internet was spotty, he was distracted, and the date was a small disaster. Yet Alyssa found his inability to multitask charming. Sexy, even.

So they gave it another go, risking disease and death to meet in person and maybe get a little weird with it. During their first official date on October 7th, 2020, Jon made dinner and Alyssa made googly eyes. After that date, their relationship took off like a rocket ship bound for Planet Romance as they spent the following days and weeks talking constantly.

For Halloween that year, Alyssa recorded and sent Jon a jazzy rendition of Monster Mash. She used her creativity and talent to make something silly and fun, and just for him. It was a perfect combination of thoughtful, heartfelt, and playful that made him feel incredibly special to know her. So that was pretty much it for Jon—marry this woman or die trying. As you can see, Jon is still alive and trying to marry her.

Alyssa fell in love with Jon early on too. One night while walking Alyssa’s dog Wilsey in the rain, Wilsey and Jon suddenly took off, chasing after a rabbit. Alyssa laughed in disbelief as her timid dog became brave and free. Wilsey found in Jon what Alyssa already saw in him: a loving, trustworthy man whose confidence and adventurous spirit help you become your boldest self. Although the rabbit got away, at that moment Alyssa decided that Jon never would.

A few weeks later in early winter, the Manhattan’s were flowing like the Chicago River as they danced late into the night in Alyssa’s apartment. Jon intended to say, “this is really fun” but instead blurted out, “I love you.” They looked at each other with wide eyes and, in a moment of perfect, wordless communication, pretended it never happened. They kept dancing.

But on New Year’s Eve, they finally agreed that they love each other using full words like adult humans. It was very romantic.

Fast-forward past the naughty scenes.

Alyssa and Jon moved in together in June 2022. Ever since, their home has been filled with laughter, creativity, Jon’s delicious cooking, Alyssa’s beautiful singing, and plenty of couch time with their dog Wilsey and cat Blarney. They love walking Wilsey through Winnemac Park, listening to Van Halen over breakfast, and doing puzzles while binging TV (Sopranos and Gray’s Anatomy most recently).

Proposing was the easiest thing Jon had ever done, despite accidentally trying to put Alyssa’s engagement ring on the wrong finger. And saying yes was the easiest thing she’s ever done. Over the past four years, they’ve built a life together on a foundation of trust, fun, adventure, and loving support. She makes his every day better and every day he makes hers better too. They are thrilled to continue their adventure and celebrate with you this fall!

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