THE MEETING

Rachel took an interest in his dog. Charles took an interest in her hair. They had found each other in a bold phase of life. They unapologetically asked questions they’d never thought of before, and with each passing moment, lowered their guard and let one another in. They talked about everything - from enneagrams to dreams to movies and food. All thanks to the dating app, Hinge.

Their first “date” was over FaceTime. Charles (aka Chaz) had decided they would pick out each others clothing for their subsequent in-person meetup. They had the entire collection found at the local Goodwill to choose from. In his mind, if they were both wearing goofy clothes, it would calm their nerves and add a layer of spontaneity to the encounter. It was as wholesome as you could imagine. He picked out royal blue Capri slacks and an orange, sheer blouse for her, and she picked out white pants with lime green and blue stripes along with a 3XL dark blue dress shirt (comedically too large) for him. The attire was set. The date would be March 13, 2021. The location would be Schiller Park - their first face-to-face date.

The date went as well as you could imagine. Their funky clothing buffered their nerves, and the conversations went on for hours. They shared coffee (Rachel’s favorite food) and opinions on art at the museum (nerd time for Charles). Then, like any good romantic comedy, they ended the night with a kiss. Some might say it was the perfect date, and the two felt like it was a monumental memory in the making.

For the next few weeks and months, the running joke between the two was, “Are we the same person??”, as they discovered shared thoughts and interests. The current joke is that it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Paula Abdul was right in this case; opposites do attract. Rachel is soft, empathetic, free-spirited, laughter in the summer sun and a hurricane in a teacup. Charles is intense, driven, methodical, stoic, and goofy. Their opposing forces strengthened one another, like iron sharpens iron.

However, the similarities and shared interest between the two cannot be omitted but rather, as they do, cherished. Both Rachel and Charles love the Lord, family and friends, the outdoors, their dog Arden, a good book, snuggling up to a real/virtual fireplace to watch Survivor, gourmet food, caffeine and some interesting conspiracies.

THE PROPOSAL

The couple’s love and strength forged by time brought them to the conclusion that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives learning, loving and leading a Godly legacy together. On November 2, 2023, at the very park, Schiller Park, that brought them together years prior, Charles found the courage to declare his love for Rachel, on one knee, in front of strangers, to ask her to marry him, to which she initially replied with “Whaatt?!”, followed by, “Of course, YES".

The two had formally decided to cling to one another in trust and love.

They have shared countless triumphs such as new jobs, overcoming fears, the ridding of bad habits, cross-country excursions and finding a place to call ‘our home’. They’ve learned the importance of trust, forgiveness, friendship, rest, and generosity.

And just like that, thanks to that technological spark that was ignited more than three years ago by a dating app, the couple’s curiosity, boldness and passion still burn, leading us to the very moment that will bring all of you and them together on October 4, 2024.

R&C