In 2017, my roommates and I agreed we should give app dates a shot. Since that sounded generally terrible, to motivate ourselves we created a "Bumble Bingo" game. Squares could be checked off by going on a date with someone who has a specific profession, going to a specific place, etc.

Brian happened to be my first ever app date. We went to Frontier in Wicker Park for a drink, where he set an incredibly high bar for an internet person, though I could not have imagined we'd be here today. Needless to say, I did not win the Bumble Bingo prize (pizza). I think he got the square called Friday Date.

When life feels overwhelming, Brian is my sanity. When work is stressful, he brings me a sense of calm. He brings me water when I forget to bring a glass to bed every night and when I decide I need to redecorate our whole house in the span of a week, he brings me back to Earth.

Brian proposed on a windy day in Scotland in November 2022 on our first big hike of the trip. It was magical.

I can't wait for what is to come for us, and thank you all for being a part of our story.

Unlike Bev, back in 2017 I was no stranger to app dating and decided to change things up by going on dates as an excuse to go try new places or do an activity that I wanted to do. After our more traditional first date at Frontier, Bev was brave enough to hop in a kayak with me to cruise up the Chicago River and then joined me for dinner at Kuma's corner where I learned of our mutual love of cheeseburgers. The date felt super comfortable, like we had known each other much longer then just a bar date before. What was less comfortable was Bev's inability to steer the kayak.

But, we didn't sink and on our third date we went to Starved Rock to go hiking. Bev was surprised to find out that I drove a topless Jeep Wrangler and I learned how she never goes anywhere without sunscreen. That day was the first of our many adventures and I love our shared interest in hiking and exploring new places.

When I first heard about the Bingo game I thought it was hilarious and as it turns out, I was the real winner of the game.

Bev's always there for me through thick and thin and is the shining light of my life (once she has her morning coffee that is). I'm excited for what the future has in store for us and am so glad for all of you who will join us on our special day.