Jack and Sarah met while Jack was working in Morris, IL. With a little help from a dating app, they soon matched and were going out for drinks. Jack will say that luck was in fact, little, because they did not end up going on a second date until months later. You would have to ask each for their opinion on why that is....

However, as 2021 came to a close and the new year of 2022 rang in, things changed. Upon returning back to Illinois from spending the holidays in New Jersey, Jack and Sarah went out for a second time for apps & drinks that was followed by mini golf. It was a night filled with laughs and fun. It successfully ended in the exchanging of numbers.

And quite quickly, things had taken a turn. One date turned into another and then another, and soon little pockets of time were being filled with each other. Despite working long hours, Jack and Sarah would sporadically meet up on a week night for ice cream or bowling.

The month of February hit and that meant Valentine's Day. As two individuals newly dating, yet unexclusive, the love holiday was intimidating. Sarah recalls internally debating whether or not she should bring it up or wait for Jack to. She didn't have to debate long, however, because Jack brought it up by casually asking what she thought of it. Sarah matched the casual tone while expressing her enjoyment in celebrating any kind of holiday. Jack must have understood what she really meant because he was soon asking her if she would like to do something with him despite his own personal preferences toward the holiday. Sarah replied back asking what they might do and Jack said, he did not have a clue, but he just knew who he wanted to celebrate it with.

It was little statements like these that mutually transpired. Simple statements and acts of intentionality that led them to love. A three word declaration proclaimed on an early morning at home.

Over the course of their first months of dating, their relationship and love for each other was challenged by life circumstances. Sarah's dad was battling a cancer diagnosis with an initial optimistic prognosis that was no longer guaranteed.

Any relationship met with a large shift in the course of life faces one of two outcomes: walking hand in hand or going separate ways. What would come of their young relationship? Priorities shifted and values such as family, quality time, and servitude began to integrate themselves in the roots of their relationship.

Their relationship took an unconventional turn with experiences. At the end of May, Sarah's dad was laid to rest. Jack met much of her extended family for the first time at his wake and funeral.

The summer passed and came to a close with a trip from the Andrews family. A trip that was highlighted by introductions through mini golfing, many laughs and stories over a family dinner, exploration and sight seeing in Chicago, and a disco themed party to bring it to a close. Everyone had a great time.

Jack and Sarah's relationship can be described as a dynamic balance. Soft and simple. Loud and Lively. Together, they enjoy nights in, which can include ordering take out, cooking dinner together, or going for walks with Beau. On the contrary, they also enjoy trying new experiences such as culinary classes, go Karting, and tailgating before cheering on their favorite sports teams. Pooh Bear might have said it best when it was shared, "Any day spent with you is my favorite day."

Months of anticipation and preparation led to one beautiful moment on a Friday evening on May 26th where Jack found himself on his knee, asking "Will you marry me?"

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tinley Park, IL