Our Story

We met on July 30, 2017 — at exactly the right moment in our lives. Our oldest boys were both heading off to college, and in that bittersweet season of letting go, we unexpectedly found each other.

Our first date was supposed to be coffee. That was the plan, giving ample exit time :) Coffee turned into “maybe one glass of wine” at Fire & Wine. The bartender asked how I take my coffee — apparently, he could predict your wine preference from it. (Malbec for the record, nailed it.) About two hours in, Jimmy gently asked if we could please order food. I agreed… only to realize neither of us could read the menu because we were both too proud to pull out our readers on a first date. He finally gave in. We ordered everything and shared it. He says when I served his plate, that was it.

Five hours later the bartender declared, “Best first date ever- but you must go, it’s 11:00PM on a Sunday night!!”

From there, it was never rushed — just steady. Busy careers. Four incredible kids. His lifelong Chicago crew. My California family. Numerous (and epic) football games. We introduced friends, then some family, then the kids — and somehow it all blended beautifully.

We’ve danced through downtown Chicago, traveled to Mexico, Italy, the Bahamas, St. Martin (often with the kids in tow), moved in together in 2022, survived home renovations (stronger), and built a life that feels grounded and adventurous all at once.

Jimmy is the rock — steady, smart, generous, funny, deeply loyal. He’s had the same friends since childhood and shows up for everyone in his world. He says he fell in love with my empathy, resilience, devotion to family and friends — and eventually even my crystals and full moon devotion.

In August 2025, he said what had quietly been true for a while: everything in our lives was aligned. It simply made no sense that we weren’t married. Also, according to our kids, we were officially too old to keep saying “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.”

Originally, we planned something small — just the kids. But then we realized something important: too many of our favorite people hadn’t really met. And we decided the first time our families and friends all gathered together should not be at a sad or somber occasion…it must be a celebration!

So here we are.

This weekend is about more than a wedding. It’s about bringing our Chicago loyalty and California heart into one place. It’s about connection, laughter, lingering dinners, good music, maybe a little wine but most of all… all of you.

We’re so grateful you’re here, welcome to the celebration!!