Our Story
In the spring of 2016, during our freshman year at the University of Illinois, fate decided to play its part in what seemed like a mundane math class. Natalie, running slightly behind, was the last to enter the room, and there was just one seat left. Without a moment's hesitation, Ryan asked his friend to move so Natalie could sit next to him. That small gesture marked the beginning of something extraordinary.
From that day on, Ryan found countless excuses to walk Natalie back from class, despite it being a detour from his own route. Those walks became our ritual, filled with conversations about everything and nothing, gradually weaving the thread of our connection. It didn't take long for us to realize that our bond was special, as if we had known each other in another life.
As we navigated through college, growing and exploring, our friendship effortlessly evolved into a profound companionship. We supported each other through new experiences and challenges, from barn dances to academic pressures, always finding comfort in our shared moments.
Our relationship took a romantic turn in the spring of 2018 when Natalie studied abroad in Europe. Seizing the opportunity, Ryan visited her, and together, we spent a magical week in Rome, exploring ancient streets and testing the waters of our compatibility. That trip sealed our fate, and upon Natalie’s return, we officially started dating, ready to embark on our journey together.
During our final year at university, we spent countless hours discussing the deeper things in life—what we wanted to achieve, both professionally and personally. We crafted a game plan for life after college, setting our sights on adventures and milestones we hoped to reach. This blueprint guided us as we transitioned to Chicago, where we began to make our dreams a reality.
Natalie quickly rose through the ranks in her sales career, and Ryan pursued his passion finding success in the design industry. Our love for travel also took flight. We became remote work warriors, spending over a month in Utah, where we worked remotely and explored the majesty of its national parks. A month in Vancouver followed, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the city. Our travels took us as far as Japan, testing our ability to handle culture shock, and to Mexico City, which we fell in love with and dubbed our favorite city in the world.
In 2022, we moved into a high-rise apartment together in Chicago, enjoying the vibrant city life. Later, seeking a more quaint and charming environment, we relocated to Wicker Park, where we welcomed Olive, our adorable dog, into our lives, expanding our little family.
Our adventure continued, and in the summer of 2024, while on a road trip around Lake Michigan, on a beautiful tree-lined shore, Ryan proposed. It was a perfect moment, encapsulating all the love, growth, and understanding we had shared over the years.
Now, as we plan our wedding and look towards our future, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for all the adventures yet to come. We can't wait to celebrate this new chapter with each of you, our dear friends and family, as we continue to build our life together, with love at the center of it all.