Andrew matched with Janet on Tinder December 27, 2016.

Andrew's profile immediately struck Janet and she quickly swiped right on him. He noted in his profile that he was "In Bucktown from Wisconsin" and that he needed "someone to show me around or go on an adventure in the city." Janet loved this bit because she also loves adventures. In case Janet wasn't intrigued enough, Andrew's profile also read "In case height matters, I'm 6'4." The birds were singing, the hearts were fluttering - Janet was excited.

Andrew was, of course, also excited after reading Janet's profile and was immediately drawn to her awesomeness; he swiped right! Janet noted in her profile that she liked "exploring new places, enjoying some vino, watching movies, and spending a day with a good book." Andrew thought she sounded like a wonderful lady.

The stars aligned! The match was made! Andrew sent a message to woo Janet after they matched that read "Hey! What sort of movies do you like?" Janet was charmed that he read her profile and noted that she enjoyed movies. "Hey Andrew! I'm into comedies mostly and some dramas/mild thrillers. I can't really handle the gory films and my favorite actor is Bill Murray. What do you like? What do you like to do for fun?"

The conversation built from there. The messages were long, thorough, and full of smiley faces! On December 31st, Janet gave Andrew her number so they could text directly. At midnight, Andrew sweetly wished her a happy new year.

On January 3rd, Andrew and Janet met at Sheffield's in Lakeview for a few beers. Andrew wore a tan Eddie Bauer sweater that Janet still says makes her giddy. They talked for several hours about their families, their backgrounds, and their jobs. They agreed to meet up the coming Friday at Andrew's apartment in Bucktown.

On that Friday, Andrew and Janet began their marathon of Harry Potter movies with good pizza and good conversation. They both loved the books and the films and really bonded over the story. They went and saw Fantastic Beasts the next day together at the movie theater and continued to watch every film together in the weeks following.

On Valentine's Day, Andrew made it official and asked Janet to be his girlfriend with a basket of Janet's favorite things: Garrett's popcorn, chocolate covered strawberries, a box of chocolates, and a sweet stuffed polar bear. Oh such romance!

The romance and woo-ing didn't end there. In addition to continuously watching Harry Potter movies, Janet took Andrew to his first (and second and third) Chicago museum and Andrew took Janet to her first Wisconsin State Fair. They took a deep dish pizza cooking class at Pizzeria Uno and visited Andrew' uncle in Kansas City over the fourth of July. They went to festivals and concerts and, of course, a few fast pitch softball games. They explored the city of Chicago together as well as Wisconsin.

Janet's favorite first year memory with Andrew is when he surprised her with a trip to New Glaurus Brewery followed by a trip to the Fireside Dinner Theater to see South Pacific for her birthday; later that night, he told her he loved her for the first time.

Andrew's favorite first year memory is taking Janet to her first Packers game, thanks to Janet's fantastic uncle and cousin. Andrew loved seeing the happiness on Janet's face and cheering on their favorite team. He also loved having a bowl of brat/cheese curd/tator tot/nacho cheese sauce/cheddarwurst in his belly. The day 's experience overall made Andrew realize this girl might just be the one.

Come December, Andrew knew without a doubt that he wanted to marry Janet. They found an apartment together in Logan Square and made plans to move in the coming January. The proposal was imminent!

This is the tale of the proposal...that Andrew made. Janet proposed many, many times after many, many glasses of wine during their first year together.

Janet and Andrew moved in together at the end of January 2018. Andrew knew he was going to propose, but was struggling to think of the best time. Janet got a new job as a Consultant in April and told Andrew that she would need to go to Pleasanton, CA for two weeks for a certification. She reached out to her dear uncle and aunt, David and Krissy, who live in San Jose; she thought she'd sneak in a visit to see them after her training. David and Krissy graciously agreed to host Janet and invited Andrew out to California for the weekend as well. The visit would include a trip to Napa Valley; specifically, it would include a trip to the Duckhorn vineyard. Duckhorn wine is the wine that Janet's family drinks on every special or happy occasion and Janet was over the moon that she would have the opportunity to go there.

Andrew got to thinking and decided that Duckhorn would be the perfect spot to propose to Janet. He had the ring already (they shopped for it the month before), he had the love in his heart for Janet, and he knew he had the support of his parents. On Mother's day, he trekked over to Naperville to speak with Janet's parents. He brought flowers for Janet's mom and grandma and he enjoyed a lovely meal. After the meal, he said to Janet's mom and dad, Bob and Beth, "I have a question." Without pause, Janet's mother started crying and welcoming him to the family. Needless to say from there, he had Janet's family's support.

Andrew flew into California on Thursday, May 17th and spent Friday relaxing by David and Krissy's pool; it was a great day. Janet had passed the first part of her certification and there was much to celebrate. Janet's cousins, Adam and Colin, and Colin's girlfriend Megan joined everyone to wine and dine that evening. The following morning, the crew left early for Napa and no one but Andrew knew what would transpire that day.

The Duckhorn vineyard was stunning; Janet was instantly overwhelmed by her happiness: to have passed part one of her certification, to be together with her California family members, to be with Andrew, and to be at her favorite winery, and to have the opportunity to drink a lot of her favorite wine :). Janet told Andrew that she wanted to walk around after the wine tasting and see more of the grounds.

The wine tasting began and Janet told her uncle how she frequently proposes to Andrew when drinking wine and they had a laugh. The family conversed and laughed about other things and enjoyed the beautiful day.

Then, Janet excused herself to use the restroom. Andrew promptly told David that "it's happening now." All were shocked and excited and thrilled! David recommended the nearby fountain for the moment and Megan quickly volunteered to take pictures and Andrew told Megan that Janet "looks around when she gets nervous" so she went to hide in the bushes.

When Janet returned from the restroom, Andrew was standing up waiting for her. He asked her if she wanted to take a walk and she instantly knew something was up. She said she would and they made their way to the Duckhorn vineyard fountain. Andrew asked "You know I love you, right?" Janet said she did. Then, Andrew held her tight and told her she was his everything. He got down on one knee and Janet promptly asked "Is this happening? What's happenining? Is this happening now?" And, guess what? She began looking around...luckily, Megan was very well hidden in the bushes :)

Janet said YES! Then, she promptly asked Andrew to propose again because it was so wonderful. Andrew told her she was a "goof" as usual and they made their way back to the family for hugs and squeals! Andrew and Janet -called their parents, their siblings, their grandparents, and Janet's maid and matron of honor, Heather and Mollie.

On cloud nine, David and Krissy drove everyone to the Domaine Chandon champagne vineyard for more celebration and delicious champagne. After the champagne, they had a delicious meal in San Francisco. It was a wonderful, wonderful day and a happy celebration.

BIG THANKS to David, Krissy, Adam, Colin, and Megan for helping to make this engagement day so fantastic!