SEPTEMBER 2009: WE FIRST LAID EYES ON EACH OTHER

Patrick was golfing at Minnie Monesse against the Grant Park high school boys golf team. He teed off of hole #8, and Jessica was the lucky lady to tell him his ball ended on the neighboring hole. We later found out that each of us turned to our golf partners and said how cute we thought the other was.

NOVEMBER 2009: SHE GOT HIS NUMBER

After getting introduced to each other at a Peotone high school football game, they became Facebook friends. Jessica wished Patrick a happy birthday and flirted his phone number out of him.

JANUARY 22, 2010: THEIR FIRST DATE

After talking for a few months, they finally were able to go on a date. He took her to Buffalo Wild Wings where they sat and talked for hours. Jessica secretly wanted him to kiss her goodnight, but she settled with a hug.

MAY 22, 2010: THEY OFFICIALLY BECAME BOYFRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND

They had been 'dating' for five months, but without the titles. Jessica was the blame for this. However, he asked her to be his girlfriend on 5-22-2010.

AUGUST 2010: HE SAID 'I LOVE YOU'

They were on a rocky beach in New Jersey on a family vacation. It was just Patrick and Jessica and he whispered in her ear that he loved her. She obviously said it back. Ever since their first date, she knew Patrick was someone special she could never let go.

AUGUST 2011: THEY BECAME 'LONG DISTANCE'

Jessica started college at Millikin University which began the four year journey of only seeing each other on the weekends. It was a change from seeing each other every day, but they made it work with flying colors. He promised her they would make it through by giving her a promise ring before she left for school.

SEPTEMBER 2015: THEY MOVED IN TOGETHER

With Patrick starting his new job and Jessica starting school at SAIC, they thought it was finally time to take another step in their relationship. After a few months of looking, they found their first apartment, 2227 N Sawyer, in Logan Square. Some say it is a big adjustment when you move in with your significant other, but they have loved every minute of it. Jessica especially loves that Patrick does the grocery shopping and the cooking!

FEBRUARY 14, 2016: THEY GOT ENGAGED

Patrick took Jessica to a romantic dinner at Cafe Con Lache. When they walked into the apartment building, Patrick told Jessica to take off her coat and set her leftover box on the stairs. She saw a sign on the door that said "Remember when...". Not until that moment did Jessica remotely suspect what was about to happen. She opened the door to a candle lined pathway through the kitchen into the living room. Hanging from the ceiling were small cards that Patrick wrote different memories on. She got to the last card and it said "Flip over.". The back of the card said "I proposed to you.". Jessica turned around to Patrick down on one knee. He told her how much he loved her and asked for her to be his wife. She said yes.

JUNE 3, 2017: THEIR BEGINNING AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

Our story will continue forever.

Our first few months of being engaged have gone by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday. When we say we have a year until the wedding, it sounds like a long time, but I know this year will go by so so quickly! Let the countdown begin!!!

We are ready to start diving in to the details! I personally cannot wait to start the creating. As you could expect, we are going to have a lot of hand-crafted details at the wedding. As of now, working on the decor, engagement photos, and dress shopping are number one on our 'To-Do List'. These are the most exciting parts of planning for me!!

We don't have much details to write about now, but there will be more updates to follow! 362 days to go!

<3 Jessica

Smile big and say cheese!!!

We checked off one thing on our "To-Do List"...engagement photos. (Well, the second session...thanks to Marta for taking the first up in Michigan). We stayed locally in the Grant Park area. (Michelle knows all of the secret spots). It was a beautiful day. A bit sunny and hot at times, but it was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!

Patrick had a hard time smiling, not making goofy faces, and not squishing his nose, but with a little direction he got the hang of it. ;)

Now it is time to edit... Lots and lots and lots of editing. Today made me even more excited about the big day!!! Stay posted. I will have the photos uploaded soon!!!

350 days to go!!!

<3 Jessica

Bachelorette party #1 was a success! Yes... I did say #1. My wonderful, talented bridesmaid Sarah is leaving in a few weeks for graduate school in the UK. I was unsure if we would all be able to get together for a party closer to the wedding, so we wanted to make sure we were able to have at least one bachelorette weekend together before she leaves.

We spent the weekend up in Michigan at the Carlisle's lakehouse. (Thank you again Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle). We danced. We drank. We laughed. We smiled. We caught up. We bonded. We had an amazing time.

In addition to all of the partying, we did get some business done...we picked out the bridesmaids dresses! Even though Brittany wasn't present, we kept her in the loop and she can't wait to wear the dress we picked out! I went into David's Bridal with an idea in mind, but we walked out with something completely different. It is funny how things always work out.

I am full of gratitude and excitement. I am so lucky to have these three wonderful ladies as my bridesmaids, but more importantly as my best friends! We made so many unforgettable memories and I can't wait for round #2! 298 days to go!

<3 Jessica