We started dating smack in the middle of a polar vortex in January 2019, meeting up for coffee at Zingerman’s Coffee House (Amanda’s favorite place to study while in law school). Amanda earned herself a second date after scoring Dylan a free mocha.

Our first year of dating had lots of fun adventures, like exploring New Orleans (where Amanda spent the summer working), picking apples in Ann Arbor, and running to Canada for the Detroit half marathon.

We celebrated our first year anniversary just after the new year. 2020 promised great plans including a few international trips that unfortunately were canceled once the pandemic hit in March.

When everything shut down in the first few months of Covid, we had a lot of downtime, giving us the perfect excuse to try some new hobbies. Amanda attempted to live up to her great grandpa’s profession as barber, but learned practicing law was probably a better career choice for her.

When the pandemic subsided (at least briefly), we tried to find ways to get outside as much as possible. We gave tandem biking a whirl...

...and went on many hiking trips. Dylan even convinced Amanda that backpacking was a good idea (although it was only for one night).

After two and a half years together, Amanda finished up her JD and graduated from Michigan with Dylan right by her side to celebrate!

After Amanda moved to Chicago to start work, she and Dylan started two years of distanced dating. We became experts of the Amtrak schedule and the 4 hour drive straight across 94. Even though we had a bit more travel to do to see each other, we still made sure to root for Michigan…

… find ways to surprise each other (this is taken 5 seconds after Dylan surprised Amanda with an unexpected trip to Chicago)…

…become tourists in our hometowns (check that green river for St. Patty's Day in Chicago)…

…celebrate major milestones (like Dylan’s 30th)…

…and explore some new parts of the Midwest, like Tulip Time in New Holland, Michigan (10/10 recommend).

On a family trip to Cabo over the holidays, Dylan pulled off the ultimate surprise and proposed!

Since getting engaged, Dylan moved to Chicago.

Quickly after finding a new apartment in the city, we adopted Macklin, a (mostly) well-behaved adorable little pup who has become the center of our lives.

We are so excited to be celebrating the start of our next big adventure with all of you this October!