Out of sheer chance, Luke and Jessica coincided one day in January of 2016. That moment of chance spurred their 10 year relationship, traveling place to place – to finally coming together.

Luke, originally from Chicago, attending Indiana University, and Jessica, originally from Philadelphia, attending Temple University, both somehow decided to study abroad in London second semester 2016. Jessica, looking to meet new people, met up with her friend for a night out. Little did she know that her friend was in Luke’s program, and they made plans to go out for a pub crawl. However, instead of dancing to the music inside, they got to know each other talking outside over drinks (and a few cigs…) just the two of them.


Things quickly progressed and they fell for each other in an instant. The semester flew by, and they got closer by the day. From meeting each others’ parents, to exploring London and many date nights, even traveling across Europe together, they continued to realize that they were meant for each other.


Then came the distance. They were committed to each other but had to return to Indiana and Philadelphia to finish out college. They made the decision that this relationship was the real deal and that long distance was worth it – great choice past Luke and Jessica!


The next few years were a blur. They both graduated college, with their senior year featuring many trips back and forth. Luke moved to Michigan for work at Altria. While Jessica moved to Chicago for her new paralegal job. The long distance was hard, but with the help of planes, trains, and automobiles, they were able to see each other in their respective cities. During this time, they also visited and became closer with family and friends in both cities.


Two years later, in 2019, they would finally come together. Luke was offered a new role in Lexington, Kentucky, while Jessica was in the midst of applying for law school. She was accepted at the University of Kentucky, and finally they were able to begin their relationship living in the same place!!!


They loved their time in Kentucky. They grew together and explored an amazing new city with new friends, and, of course, enjoyed lots of Keeneland time. Luke pursued his MBA and Jessica crushed it at law school, eventually resulting in graduation for both and time for their next step.


In 2022, Luke received a new remote role at Altria, while Jessica passed the Bar, beginning her career as an attorney. They decided to move back to Chicago. After years of living in different places, Luke was excited to be home. He missed friends, Italian beefs, and watching Chicago sports without a Reddit link. Jessica was excited, as she made friends there, but did miss her hometown as well. You can take the girl out of Philly, but you can’t take the Philly out of the Jawn!! Thankfully, since they now had a real airport (sorry Lexington), they could afford to take many more trips to Philly. From beach weeks, to family birthdays, to new cities and states, their adventures together would continue no matter where they were living.


After eight years of dating, Luke proposed in October 2023! The night before a surprise trip, Luke asked Jessica on a rainy walk to a “dinner”. She agreed, even though it was a little out of character for Luke to walk in the rain. They walked to their favorite spot at Diversey Harbor where Luke popped the question and she said YES! Hidden photographer, a few champagne glasses later, they walked to “dinner” to celebrate. However, instead of dinner, they walked into an engagement party with their family and friends ready to celebrate.


Fast forward to now, wedding day! Who would have thought those two kids in London would end up here, ready to spend the rest of their lives together. London, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Chicago, Philadelphia – we look forward to celebrating with everyone that we have met along our journey! Let’s get Married!