Jake and Demi first met in Chicago at Caitlin Reisel’s 18th birthday (2011), after which they became Facebook friends and occasionally commented on each other’s posts. Throughout the years, they sporadically saw each other at mutual friends’ events (mainly Matt Kole and Mark Cerbin’s New Year’s parties, where Demi once made a mess of the bar drunkenly attempting to make Long Island teas- SORRY FRIENDS).

They generally vibed and had fun conversations. They took turns being in relationships with other people until they eventually were single at the same time.

The year was 2017: Demi was coming out of a long-term relationship. Jake asked for recommendations for his happy playlist on Spotify via Facebook. Demi suggested “Brazil” by Declan McKenna and made her own happy playlist. Jake liked some of Demi’s jams and listened to them while he mowed the lawn. Jake introduced Demi to Young the Giant’s “Titus Was Born” (and also metal music, which she found terrifying at first).

Demi posted on Facebook that she needed someone to discuss the S-town podcast with. Jake listened to the entire podcast (even though it wasn’t his cup of tea) and invited Demi out for a breakfast hangout to discuss.

They ate breakfast at Egglectic Café in downtown Wheaton and followed it up with looking at Demi’s postcard collection in Adams Park. They visted the little red popcorn and candy shop and had a wonderful time. Jake and Demi never discussed the podcast. To this day, they still haven’t.

Fast forward several years and they’ve gotten their Jambo on in Indianapolis (IYKYK), eaten chicken tenders at Tarantula Billiards bar (Denver) sipped wine at James Maynard Keenan’s vineyard (Jerome), toured the Biltmore Estate (Asheville), stayed in a hobbit house (Southern IL), and even have seen the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland).

They’ve seen Green Day, Young the Giant, Tool, System of a Down, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Blue October and many others perform.

They explored local breweries, went for hikes exploring nature, and eventually moved in together in January 2020.

Jake and Demi have lived together for 5 years and endured the many challenges of being homeowners and cat owners (Jake's words). However, they’ve learned to be great teammates and have improved their communication to be the best partners they can be for each other.

Jake finally worked up the courage to propose to Demi, but had to lie to catch her by surprise. Demi asked if he had looked into getting a ring, and he said that he couldn't afford it after some recent house repairs (boy was she shocked).

Meanwhile, they were getting ready for their Valentine’s date to the Chicago Botanic Gardens and a steakhouse dinner. Demi wore her floral jumpsuit so she could “match the flowers” and Jake followed suit by wearing his Goonies Hawaiian shirt. They weren’t sure they were going to get into the restaurant with their attire, but it was a chance they took. Also, the outfits made for some pretty fun engagement photos. Hahaha!

Demi and Jake are looking forward to many years to come with their crazy antics and cannot wait to kick it off with some of their favorite people at one of their favorite places!