Champaign, IL - It all started on Unofficial St. Patricks Day at the University of Illinois. Avi and Talia were sophomores who had planned to spend the drinking holiday with friends at the AEPi fraternity house. Their two separate friend groups eventually crossed paths, convening in one of the suites in the house. In a sea of people dressed in green Unofficial clothes, Avi decided to wear a red Christmas sweater and it caught Talia's attention. They started talking, and the rest is history.

Champaign, IL - After several months of date events, bar meetups, and summer break hangouts, Avi decided to make it official and ask Talia to be his girlfriend. Of course, she said yes.

Florence, Italy - Avi and Talia were apart for 5 months when Talia spent a semester abroad in Florence. They were reunited when Avi went to visit her over spring break, making Florence the first place they ever traveled together.

Champaign, IL - Four years of college flew by and suddenly it was time to close the college chapter. Avi and Talia graduated together from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Avi with a degree in Communication, and Talia with a degree in Advertising and Art & Design.

(Through 2020) - When Avi and Talia weren't adjusting to new found adult life in the Chicago suburbs, they jumped from one adventure to another. From Hong Kong and Thailand, to Israel, Belgium, Paris and LA, they lived it up around the world before the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we knew it.

Chicago, IL - In the midst of the COVID pandemic, Avi and Talia flew the coop and moved into their first apartment together.

(Through 2022) - Once the world began to open up again, Avi and Talia didn't hesitate to trade their quarantine life for world adventures once again. When they weren't exploring new Chicago spots, making sushi, or watching Love Island, they could be found by the lake. Various milestones were used as an excuse to book a flight somewhere new. From Oahu to New York, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Mexico, the world travelers were finally back!

Tahiti, French Polynesia - Avi tagged along on the Wertico family trip to Tahiti. Although the original purpose of the trip was to celebrate Talia's dad's birthday, there was cause for another celebration as well! Six and a half years later, Avi popped the question in front of a gorgeous waterfall. The proposal exceeded anything Talia ever dreamed of, and the cherry on top was being surprised by Avi's mom and sister as well. Best day ever!