From the Bride: I met Jake at a turning point in my life. I had just been accepted to a Nursing Masters program, I was moving to the city, and a lot was up in the air. Jake and I met online and I could not be happier for the invention of the internet because of this. On our first date we went to a place called Neat Kitchen (recommended by the Best Man and one of my amazing Bridesmaids). I will never forget when Jake pulled up wearing this blue shirt that made his eyes POP and while I tried to remain chill, I definitely was my typically awkward, can't stop talking self and I thought I blew it...but Jake, the sweetheart he is, seemed to like it. While I was busy in school and felt like a lot was going on, Jake was the constant that kept me grounded. We went on a lot more dates which eventually led to moving in together, throwing some fun parties, adopting our Murphy girl, and eventually our engagement. I am absolutely in shock most days that I found Jake and that we get to live our lives together. I know he might roll his eyes at this, but I'm so glad that he exists ;)

From the Groom: I remember chatting with Maggie online before our first date. I was spending a lot of time in Washington DC that summer for work, and even before we met she knew how to make me laugh and feel loved. Once I was back home, I knew we needed to meet up. I hadn't been on date in a very long time, so I was a little nervous. As I was on my way to pick her up from her mom's house, Maggie told me her brothers would be working in the garage, and all I could picture were a couple tough gear heads who would kick my ass if I were to do wrong by their sister (little did I know that her brothers are the nicest guys ever and that such a threat was to come later from her sister!). But my nerves were soon calmed when I saw Maggie skip to the car. She was so beautiful and happy, and it just felt so natural talking with her even though I could tell she was at little nervous too! We had such a great time at dinner that we stuck around for a few more drinks at the bar. That date led to many more and ultimately our engagement at the same restaurant of that momentous night! It took probably a bit longer than she would have wanted for me to pop the question, but we've been through so much together at this point (tending for her broken leg, raising our sweet dog, planning for parties and the future...) that I know we are meant to be together forever. I love how our taste in things like music, movies, food, and nature have blended into something that is uniquely us. And since she ended her blurb with a paraphrased lyric from one of my favorite songwriters, I figured I should do the same: Maggie is simply best! She's better than all the rest...better than anyone I've ever met, and I'm stuck on her heart <3.

Travel

Chicago Marriott Naperville