While not high school sweethearts, our journey started back in high school, when we were paired up as dance partners in our school's annual "Halftime Hotties" dance performance (see photos below). After high school, we went our separate ways - Emma journeyed to Madison to attend Wisconsin, and Blake to Bloomington to go to IU. We didn’t think we would ever see each other again, as often happens post high school graduation... However, that quickly proved untrue, as both of us ended up back in Chicago, unknowingly starting our careers at the same company a year apart from one another. Multiple run ins at work turned into an almost unbelievable number of run ins at various Chicago bars and restaurants (shoutout 80 Proof). We decided we couldn't ignore the 'coincidences' anymore and went on our first date. What started as casual hangouts and dog walks with Oakley and Rose, quickly turned into dinner dates, which eventually led to "officially dating". Before we knew it, we were quarantining together during the height of COVID in a small two bedroom apartment with Emma's older sister Laura (she did not have a choice, but we like to think she would choose to live with us again if given the option). We eventually got our own place on Division Street in Wicker Park, which is still one of our favorite places on earth. After many dinners, concerts, and late nights at Bangers and Lace (and one golden retriever later), we are so excited to celebrate another amazing step in our journey with you all on our wedding day.