Ben and Celia met in early January of 2022, during the height of the Omicron variant. At the time, they were both graduate students at The University of Chicago; Ben was completing his *sixth* year of his PhD, where he studied 20th century German and Eastern European history, while Celia was beginning her degree at The Crown School of Social Work, studying to be a psychotherapist. Due to Omicron, and the frigid Chicago weather, Ben asked Celia if she would like to go to UChicago's largest library "The Reg" for their first date. He said he could "book them a room," as, at that time, he was basically subletting a conference room on the third floor. Celia agreed, tenuously, thinking that this man was either her soulmate and the date would be perfect, or, it would be a complete disaster that would subsequently turn into entertainment material that she would recant for her friends, or, even better, a True Crime Netflix Docmentary. Thankfully, and, unsurprisingly, the former turned out to be true.

They did an intimate Florentine ceremony at St James Church in Florence with a few family and friends, which was magical and cemented their profound love for the beautiful city.

We cannot wait to celebrate with you. We are so lucky to have this life and thank you for supporting us.

Love indefinitely, Us.