It was supposed to be a "Hot Girl Single Summer."

Amelia had big plans: boats, friends, freedom… the whole shebang. Unbeknownst to her, though, a guy named Eric had already set things in motion back in chilly February when he swiped right on her profile on Hinge. But Amelia, fully committed to her carefree summer, didn't acknowledge his interest until July. After finally swiping back, things moved quickly—the two went on their first date just three days later, and Amelia soon realized it was worth the wait when Eric entered her life in the heart of a sunny Chicago summer.

Amelia’s plans transformed from carefree independence into weekend Masses, steak dinners, and getting to know this Eric guy.

Meanwhile, Eric had just moved in with his childhood best friend and groomsman, Hayden (because honestly, if you don’t live with your best friend from first grade by 30, are you really best friends?). Eric had envisioned a summer filled with golfing and endless grilling with Hayden, but fate had other ideas. Shortly after settling in, not only did Eric finally connect with Amelia, but Hayden also met his future wife around the same time—proving that sometimes the best-laid plans are the ones that completely fall apart.

Aside from Hayden, Amelia's bridesmaids were the first to catch on. Nicole became the post-date sounding board. Sanika endured an entire girls' trip to Hawaii filled with endless talk of “Eric this, Eric that.” Ali sized Eric up like a Secret Service agent when they met at Old St. Pat’s on Date #3. And Alifia? She patiently received approximately 3,947 texts and voice notes about “this new guy Eric” within mere weeks.

After passing the bridesmaid sniff test, next up was Amelia’s beloved pup, Reese. Eric said he was a dog guy. He even looked like a dog guy. And he had complimented the thoughtful naming of Amelia's dog-daughter "My best friend's name is Reese!!" But when Hayden casually asked Amelia, “Wait, how’s Eric doing with the dog? You know he’s allergic... and kinda scared of dogs?”—Eric's cover was officially blown.

As Eric and Amelia often say, “That’s not odd—that’s God!” Through divine intervention (we’re not saying love works miracles, but...), Eric’s allergies mysteriously subsided. These days, Reese is Eric’s faithful little sidekick, joining him on walks and occasionally sneaking bites of steak under the table—much to Amelia’s disapproval. (She used to be so well-trained!!!)

Old St. Pat’s quickly became a cornerstone of their relationship (see above: Ali third-wheeling their third date at OSP). Not only did Amelia and Eric bond over their shared faith, but early on both shared their belief aloud: that it is a partner’s role to get each other to Heaven. Fast-forward to June, and that very same church will be the backdrop as they say, "I do." God truly does write the most beautiful love stories.

Between Sunday Masses and indulgent date nights, Amelia and Eric explored every corner of Chicago—capturing sunsets at Wrigley Field, dehydrating at Lollapalooza, babysitting Amelia’s niece Mary, bonding at family gatherings, and savoring enough steak dinners to impress any butcher. It was actually on their second date that Eric discovered Amelia prefers her steak rare-to-medium-rare, and he knew right then—she might actually be perfect. (Yes, although inquired in jest, that is when he asked her ring size.)

Their adventures weren't limited to the Windy City. There were trips to Toledo to meet Eric’s friends and extended family, South Bend to care for Amelia’s new Airbnb property (Go Irish!), and Klinger Lake, where Eric attempted what—in Amelia’s mind—was the ultimate test of his athleticism: water skiing. He passed, although not without screaming, “I’M NOT A STRONG SWIMMER!” during the first attempt. Eric and Amelia also enjoy visiting Amelia’s hometown, Hinsdale, to share stories and photos with Grandma Betty.

Perhaps most notably, Amelia convinced Eric—an avid patriot who deeply loves the USA—to venture overseas to Iceland during the 4th of July weekend, proving just how serious their relationship had become. Spending that entire week living together in a van, navigating tight quarters and Icelandic roads, was perhaps the ultimate test of their compatibility—and thankfully, they passed with flying colors.

By the next summer, Eric knew he didn’t just love traveling with Amelia—he wanted to journey through life with her. So, on her birthday, under the glowing skies of Santorini, Greece, with the Aegean Sea sparkling in the background at sunset, Eric got down on one knee and asked the girl who accidentally gave up her “Hot Girl Summer” if she’d spend forever with him.

She said yes, which brings us to today— 658 days into their Snapchat Streak. We can’t wait to celebrate our love with all of you in person!