It was Freshmen year of highschool at Crystal Lake South. The first time Mike REALLY caught Steph’s eye was when he ran around CLS (the pit for those that are familiar) pretending to be a pterodactyl. This was the first of a lifetime of laughs.

Steph and Mike did not really become friends until post high school. While they did share the same Physics class second semester senior year - they still did not know each other very well.

Post High-school Steph went off to Loras college in Dubuque, Iowa. Shortly after, Mike joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Mike served for four years before getting out in 2019.

However, Through the years they would rekindle at parties back in their home town of Crystal Lake and at downtown Crystal Lake bars.

In 2019 when Steph was living in Kentucky where she relocated for work, Mike was transitioning into Civilian life after his military contract ended. They rekindled yet again, in town for Holiday at your finest establishment in Crystal Lake, The Cottage!

Steph and Mike went on to officially start dating long distance while Steph was living in Kentucky and Mike was finishing school at DePaul University.

Eventually, Steph and Mike moved
into their Lincoln Park Condo in Chicago where they started building their life together and getting settled. They even got their big baby Golden Doodle, Zeus.

They lived there for 3+ years and cherish their memories in the city. So much so, Mike got down on a knee at Lincoln Park Zoo lights - one of Steph’s favorite childhood memories of the city and one of the first places Steph took Mike to warm him up to her favorite neighborhood.

Some of Steph and Mike favorite things to do together are hang out with Zeus, spend time with family, try new foods, go to sporting events, hit the gym and lastly enjoy some Miller Lites at their favorite neighborhood dive (Galway Bay)

The rest is history! Steph and Mike are so excited to celebrate the Journey they are on, with their closest friends & family!

Let’s get this party started.