Two strangers moved to Chicago in the summer of 2019.

The girl, Maria, had finally landed her dream job in Chicago. She had spent 6 months job searching after graduating with her Master's in Social Work at the University of Michigan. She excitedly packed her belongings from her mother's home, whom she would miss dearly, and ultimately moved in with a girl she met on facebook (now turned best friend- Maddy Deporter).

The boy, Fernando, moved from his parents home in South Bend to Chicago after landing a job working for a consultating firm. He had just graduated with his bachelor degree in Informatics from Indiana University (go hoosiers-as Fernie always says).

The two strangers went on to live their lives, separately, for many months. It wasn't until NYE 2019 that the two finally met at a bar called Moe's Cantina. I wish I could tell you in detail how the encounter went but truthfully, Maria and Fernando, don't remember a thing. All we know is, Fernando definitely approached Maria and they exchanged numbers.

The next morning, Fernando reached out to Maria. The two re-capped the night prior and admitted neither of them remembered what the other looked like. Despite this, they texted daily and spent the time getting to know each other. They eventually made plans to go on their date.

The two met at Headquarters Beercade and were happy to find that the other person was attractive! They ended up having what they both agreed was an amazing first date. There was an instant, natural connection between the two. Maria outscored Fernando in basketball and they spent hours playing their now favorite game, Tappers.

The rest is history.

Maria and Fernando have now been together for 4 years and live w/ their beloved pup, Louie. They enjoy playing golf, going on hikes, and eating at steakhouses.