In early 2012, Hannah texted Chris that she had a crush on him. His 15 year old self responded, "Sorry, I am busy with track right now." Good thing she didn't give up, because on November 15, 2012 they became boyfriend and girlfriend after Chris attended her high school production of The Beauty and the Beast. Chris would later regret the date he picked to ask her out, because for the next ten years he would celebrate an anniversary not many days after his own birthday. Hannah tried to get him earlier! ;)

High school had its ups and downs (as do most teenage romances), but somehow they found their way. They were best friends. Although attending different high schools, being involved in sports, clubs, choir, theatre, and having jobs they still loved each other through the busyness. They made time for one another.

Committing to long distance was a no-brainer when Chris moved to Alabama to run on their cross country team on a full academic scholarship. After a year, Chris transferred to North Central, but it was Hannah's turn for adventure. They went long distance another four months during her study abroad. Through it all they remained each others rock, supporter, advocate, and best friend. For a couple years they lived fairly close to one another. Hannah attended Chris' track and cross country meets, Chris drove into the city for visits and Chilango burritos.

Then, Hannah's graduation came. Off for two years (they thought...) to join the Peace Corps. The first 6 months were the hardest, but Chris was able to fly down to visit her with Hannah's brother and father. After the two week trip, they said their goodbyes, unbeknownst to them when they would see each other again, and Chris flew back to finish up his year working at Naperville North High School.

Then Coronavirus happened.

Hannah was evacuated from Costa Rica, Chris' job put on pause. Their lives turned on their heads, but they were together. They had each other. They found teaching jobs, an apartment, a dog. They are happy, they are together, and they are a family.

This is only the beginning. With every new day there is a new adventure. It's the little things that they love. Giving Tuna some whipped cream, sharing about their days at school, walking to Starbucks in the fall, decorating for Christmas (and leaving the tree up a liiiiiitle too long), watching RuPauls Drag Race, going to the movie theatres and getting an extra large popcorn, making coffee, and so much more.

This is the life we have dreamt up since we were 16. We are so blessed we get to live it every day. We can't wait to celebrate our love. On July 15 we want to celebrate the high school love, college love, long distance love, the love-through-the-hard-times love, and the love yet to be seen. The love that is to come for the rest of our lives. Thank you for being part of our story. Thank you for your love. Thank you for supporting us, guiding us, cheering us on. We could not be where we are without our community. This story is told because of our friends and family. We love you.