Sometimes fate just keeps knocking until you answer. Over the course of three years, Ray and I kept crossing paths, running into each other while working at CVS before we officially introduced ourselves. The third time was finally the charm, and once we actually started talking, we realized we were meant to be inseparable.

For our first date, we made late-night IHOP plans in Vernon Hills. We purposefully picked a spot a little farther away, mostly because neither of us wanted the night to end. As it turned out, we didn't want to leave each other's side after that, either.

Our favorite story took place right where we built our foundation: inside our very first apartment on Christmas Eve. Surrounded by the warmth of the holiday and the comfort of home, Ray turned our cozy living space into the setting for the ultimate holiday gift. It was a complete surprise, deeply intimate, and perfectly us.

Since saying "yes," we've hit some our biggest milestones yet, including buying our very first home together and putting down roots in a new city. Now, as we prepare to step into marriage, we are so excited to celebrate our love and start this next chapter with all of you!