After spending their respective time on dating apps, swiping their life away, Shannon and Kevin matched.

Shannon sent the first message - only because she had to because it was the dating app Bumble. Kevin responded with a less-than-enthusiastic response, which made Shannon work a little harder to keep the conversation going. The conversation dulled out, as many do on dating apps. It wasn't until Shannon's spring break of 2022 that she circled back and asked Kevin out on a date. She thought he was cute, and something about his dating profile really called to her.

On March 31st, 2022, Shannon drove to At The Office, a local bar/restaurant, and met Kevin in the parking lot. Maybe it was nerves, perhaps it was just how Kevin was, or maybe subliminally, Kevin wasn't sure how this date would go, but Kevin greeted Shannon with a half-hug. Shannon, always quick to respond, asked him if he was already friend-zoning her. The ice was officially broken, and the two walked inside.

Inside, Shannon ordered a Snickers martini (dessert always comes first), and Kevin got his usual—a Miller Lite. What they didn't know was that it was "ladies' night" at The Office. Shannon filled out a free raffle ticket early on in the night, and after three or four Snickers martinis later, Shannon's name was called for the raffle prize—a gorgeous blue purse with little flowers on it; this purse has now been labeled "the first date purse."

If you know Shannon, you know she loves chain restaurants, especially chains that serve chocolate lava cake. Shannon brought this up in conversation and then couldn't get the idea of a chocolate lava cake out of her mind. Kevin, being the "go with the flow" guy, is obliged to Shannon's plan to walk across the parking lot to Applebee's and get a chocolate lava cake. The date ended with a sweet but romantic short kiss, with plans for a second date two days later.

What happened next?

Shannon and Kevin went on a handful more dates and quickly became inseparable. Within a month, they had met each other's family and some extended family and were quickly becoming each other's favorite people.

If you know Shannon or Kevin, you know that family, friends, and sports games are some of the most important things to them. On their second date, they watched the final four NCAA games; on their third date, they watched the championships; on their... sixth (??), they went to their first of MANY Chicago Blackhawks games.

It was hard to keep these two apart from new jobs, trips to Washington Island and Michigan, and daily trips up and down 294. Shannon and Kevin eventually planted some roots in Oak Lawn and bought a house; several weeks later, they brought home eight-week-old Piper, their first dog together.

Skip to the good part... the engagement!

Kevin proposed after waiting for what felt like an eternity (to Shannon and her friends and family, who were sick of hearing Shannon talk about it).

Kevin, his family and friends, Shannon's family and friends, and Piper pulled off the surprise of a lifetime. While at a Sunday Funday brunch, many dear loved ones decorated Shannon and Kevin's house and waited for Shannon and Kevin to return. If you've been lucky enough to see the video, you know it was a complete surprise and many tears were shed.

If you've gotten this far, we thank you, and we can't wait to celebrate with you in June!

Registry