Our relationship began in a very modern fashion. Although we both went to Illinois State University, studied accounting, and lived less than a mile apart, it took us 4 years after graduation to finally meet. We were connected through a dating app in the fall of 2017, and quickly arranged our first date. Ryan tried to plan a romantic first date, but little did he know the place he picked was the biggest dive bar in the western suburbs. On that day, Lisa was sick with a cold and thought about cancelling but decided to go anyways. Circumstances aside, the first date was a success and led to many other dates within the following weeks. Within a short amount of time, we already felt like we were best friends. Lisa invited Ryan to a New Year’s Eve party at Carnival in downtown Chicago. Moments before the clock struck midnight, Ryan decided to make the relationship official and asked Lisa to be his girlfriend.

Our relationship continued to grow stronger and stronger over the next year and a half. We went on trips to Arizona and Cabo, attended several baseball games and concerts, and spent a lot of time with each other’s friends and family. We were inseparable. In the spring of 2019, Ryan decided he no longer wanted to be just boyfriend and girlfriend. We had a trip to Colorado planned for April, and Ryan thought it was the perfect place and time. As we were walking around the Garden of the Gods looking at the breathtaking mountains and red rocks, Ryan decided to present Lisa with a rock of her own. He got down on one knee and asked for forever. She said “YES!”, and the moment was perfect. A secret photographer captured the moment so we can remember it forever.

COVID-19 has forced us to be patient, but we are excited to FINALLY start the next chapter of our lives together on May 21, 2021!