Gina: I swiped right because his profile picture was of him eating a donut
Julian: I swiped right because she had a pretty smile

Both had been online dating enough to know that meeting in person as soon as possible would help to solidify whether the online chemistry matched the in person chemistry. It was about 9pm and Gina was finishing packing for her mother/daughter trip to Iceland. Julian had been watching an Arsenal game at The Globe Pub in the North Center neighborhood and suggested a quick filling meal in the Albany Park neighborhood.


It was a rainy and cold night. Ginalyn had arrived first and Julian arrived shortly afterwards. She noticed Julian's confidence and respect immediately as he walked in.


They discussed how their individual dating lives were prior to this date. They discussed why they were dating in the first place.


They both agreed they were looking for partners in life - someone to share everything with.


They shared a korean/japanese barbecue meal worth $100+ which Julian graciously paid for in its entirety. He helped her with her jacket, his chivalry much appreciated.

On the second date, Julian had set up axe throwing as the main event. There was a wait for a throwing time to open up so they meandered to the Lincoln Square neighborhood to eat some fried chicken at Luella's Southern Fried Chicken. For some reason, Religion was the main discussion topic while they both ate fried chicken, collard greens, grits, and biscuits.


Gina noticed Julian's chivalry as he held the door open for her everywhere. He stole a kiss (their first!) as he held the car door open for her.


With the kiss still buzzing they threw some axes. Their night ended with another intense discussion about dating and relationships over old fashioned ice cream sundaes at Margies.


They talked about committing to each other only and the rest is history!

Julian drove 10 hours in a lil convoy full of his friends (now family). Sleep deprived, they were day drinking along the lake with nothing to line their stomachs except for Krystals sliders. It was a friends turned family moment when they were piled into the trophy room with the sound of snores, smells of farts, and judgemental gaze of stuffed animal busts.

Gina wanted to go above and beyond as a girlfriend in the very first year. She set up two events on the same day: an evening surprise laser tag party with all of Julian's friends AND a brunch in Milwaukee so Julian could meet Gina's best friend from college.

Julian's friend texted the secret group chat for Julian's birthday expressing the dwindling "surprise" factor due to their absence at the party. Julian was quite tired from the trip up to Milwaukee and was unconvinced that it was a good idea for "ice cream" at 7pm.

So Gina pleaded. And eventually cried and spilled the beans.

They arrived 15 minutes late to the session.

It was an unsuccessful surprise.

Julian set up a surprise birthday party for Gina. He is better with surprises. It was successful. No one cried.

They had traveled with friends to Chattanooga, TN but this was their first one adventuring together. Let's just say 50cc mopeds, rain, and an inter island bridge are exhilarating and embarrassing all at once.

A much needed break to relax and be pampered. No itinerary. No rush. Just peace.

On a beachside resort in Cancun, Mexico

Big kids at heart, they enjoyed a much needed vacation to Florida. Without kids they enjoyed 5 minute wait times for the rides, easily fit in the ride seats without being separated, and experienced no temper tantrums.