Like many modern couples, Charlene and Blake met on Hinge, however, their origin story has an “old school” twist. When they matched in November 2020, Blake was spending extended time in Arizona, and he was not set to return to Chicago for a few weeks. Despite the distance, Blake was eager to get to know Charlene and he chivalrously suggested they talk on the phone to keep the momentum going. To both of their surprises, their first phone call lasted well over an hour full of genuine connection, smiles, and laughs. Without missing a beat, these long phone calls continued until Blake returned in December, and they had a great first date over cocktails and appetizers at Gussie’s in Old Town.

Charlene and Blake knew they found something special when their third date lasted over eleven hours! Charlene invited Blake to her Gold Coast apartment for a casual Sunday brunch, but the day naturally unfolded with a long stroll through Lincoln Park, beers and football at Ranali’s, holiday shopping on Armitage Street, Lou Malnati’s for dinner, and a Christmas movie to end the night. They quickly realized how much they loved spending time together, and as the old saying goes “the rest is history!”.

Since then, Charlene & Blake have enjoyed everyday life and some exciting adventures like horseback riding in Arizona, adoring the Southern charm of Charleston, sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, snorkeling in West Palm Beach, museum hopping in Washington D.C., eating Italian cuisine in Boston’s Northend, and snowmobiling in Vermont.

Blake proposed to Charlene on the evening of Saturday, January 4, 2025. He surprised her with a staycation at the St. Regis and asked to marry her along the Chicago River while taking a walk before dinner. The couple enjoyed having a quiet and emotional moment to themselves before celebrating at Tavern on Rush with a nice bottle of Dom Perignon champagne and a very excited wait staff.

Charlene and Blake are thankful for the support of their family and friends, and they look forward to sharing their special day with you on September 6, 2025!