Our adventure began in early October of 2021. Krystina had just moved from Florida to Chicago with her company going fully remote due to COVID-19. Shortly after arriving to the area, she started frequenting the Chicago restaurant fixture, the Purple Pig, nearby her residence. She met the wine director who offered her an opportunity to assist with the wine program in the evenings. Paul had just helped launch Vistro Prime Steakhouse in Hinsdale. Both Paul and Krystina had been told about a unique 3-day wine conference taking place at Gibson’s Italia. Paul was first to arrive to the conference. As he waited in the lobby to be let into the conference, Krystina came off the elevator. Paul was struck by her beauty and told himself, “I need to know who she is!”

Paul and Krystina met and talked during the breaks on the first day of the conference. Unfortunately, the second day, Paul was tied down with work responsibilities so he could not attend but he made a point to come to the first session of the third day of conferences so he could see Krystina again. During the break after the first conference, they talked again and Paul told Krystina, “If you’d like to go out to eat sometime together, I’d be happy to! Here’s my business card.”

Paul headed to work and Krystina began to engage in conversation with two of Paul’s friends Dexter and Domenico about Paul and his story. Krystina started with Dexter. “So is Paul single?” Dexter responded, “No, he’s married with 2 kids.” Krystina left the conversation confused and surprised. She went over to Domenico and said, “So Paul is married with kids? I thought he was interested in me…I couldn’t have read that more wrong!” Domenico chimed in, “He’s not married, he’s a good buddy of mine and he’s available. You should message him!”

Later that day Krystina reached out to Paul and they continued their conversations. Unfortunately their first date was delayed due to both of them traveling for birthday festivities but 2 weeks after meeting they went on their first date and in a short time realized they were meant to be.

Krystina and Paul have so many common interests and qualities. They share the same faith, the same love of travel (but both hate flying), of food, of wine, of cocktails, of sports, of humor, of cooking shows and so many other things.

Paul proposed to Krystina on January 2nd, 2023 on the Bridge of Angels in Rome, Italy. They are so excited to celebrate their love with family and friends on August 3rd, 2024!