Friday, July 6, 2018 is when it all began. Jacob had just turned 21 and was headed up to Chicago to meet his friends at a rooftop bar called “Cerise.” Coincidentally, Maddie had decided to go out that day with her fellow interns (Jacob’s friends). They met on the corner of Lake and Wabash, and Jacob remembers noticing Maddie immediately with her beautiful smile. He made sure to sit by her when they got to the lounge and remembered her loving lemon drop martinis at the time. She remembers Jacob being the pretty tall cute guy who made sure they all had a fun night out - even how to avoid losing at Irish Poker!


Keep in mind, neither of them were looking for a serious relationship at the time. But, both of them knew they could see themselves being with the other when their personalities just seemed to click while enjoying Fat Baby Tacos after celebrating their close friend Steph's birthday.


Fast forward a few weeks to August 17, 2018 and Jacob asked Maddie to be his girlfriend at the classiest of joints, Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn, after she mistakenly referred to him as her boyfriend about 5 seconds before. It was the best mistake she ever made.


They spent their first year together on campus at U of I. They frequented their favorite bars, Kams (Jacob) and Brothers (Maddie), Jacob let Maddie host her birthday party at the AKPsi Senior House (gross), attended a couple barn dances, played badminton (Maddie’s no slouch), and met each other’s closest friends. One of their favorite memories has to be when Maddie and Sanaya hosted a party for Unofficial St. Patrick's Day. Maddie was on scrambled eggs duty, big bootie mix was blasting on Sanaya's small JBL speaker (lol, college!), and Jacob and Maddie met each other's close childhood friends who came in to visit (Alie, Alison, and Lauren)! That year flew by, and before they knew it, they were walking into Memorial Stadium in Champaign with their graduation gowns on, receiving their Bachelor’s degrees.


Fast forward 2 years to June of 2020 when they moved in together in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, where they still reside. Since then, they have had lots of life experiences together - adopting a sweet but feisty cat (Rocky), Maddie passing the CPA exam, both getting promoted several times, vacations from San Diego to Maine, and even Alaska! And of course, going to the best bars and restaurants Chicago has to offer. While they have gone on many unique adventures, some of their favorite moments have been the long walks down to Division St. to share a prime rib at The Perch or tackle all-you-can-eat sushi at Sushi Taku.


All of these countless memories led up to a momentous occasion on December 10, 2022 when Jacob decided to pop the question down at his parents' house in rural Ashkum, IL. Jacob had Maddie convinced they were taking couples photos that day, but to her surprise it was a proposal with photos taken by none other than her sister, Ally! Both of their families and best friends were able to share in their celebration that day, through various surprises including a limo ride, dinner with their parents, and a surprise engagement party! This was a day they will never forget. The wedding planning quickly ensued and brings us all to the present day. Maddie and Jacob are thrilled to spend October 19th, 2024 with you and could not be happier to have you in attendance!