Let’s get Hinged!

You could say they met in pandemic- and millennial-fashion . . . but there’s more to it. Elyse was working a rotation on night-shift in her final year in OB/GYN residency – a dark time during which she’d classically refer to her lifestyle as vampiric. However, she always considered “nights” to be the best time to dip back into the Chicago dating scene because it guaranteed free weekends and a flipped sleep schedule that wouldn’t have her snoozing by early evening. “Not-Too-Tired-To-Date” was just what Aaron was looking for on Hinge . . .

Actually, Elyse hit Aaron’s “must-haves” in several categories:

(✔️) no nut allergy

(✔️) height requirement

(✔️) uses gifts for good

Fireworks!

Their first date was one to remember. It started with a short bike ride along the Chicago Lakefront. Aaron brought tacos and Elyse brought a bottle of wine native to her hometown. They picnicked until the stars filled the sky at the Adler Planetarium outlook. The night ended with fireworks – lighting the Chicago city sky and their excited hearts . . .

Elyse was impressed by Aaron’s gentle smile, warm heart, and renaissance-style as a creator. Aaron was captivated by all the twists and turns in Elyse’s wit, intuition, and hair.

Many Miles Later

They walked and hiked. They swam, biked, and ran (completed the Chicago 2022 Triathlon). They danced. They traveled to Aruba, France, Michigan, Czech Republic, Tennessee, Florida, Hawaii, and Spain. Old friends became new friends and as their communities wove together, the tapestry of their life became more colorful.  They supported one another through transitions to new jobs. Aaron’s chill can stress Elyse out. Elyse’s stress can kill his chill. But their balance is a homeostasis that keeps them healthy and thriving.

Commemorating the many miles they spent learning about each other and training together on the Chicago Lakefront, Aaron surprised Elyse with his proposal during a spring run to Belmont Harbor. She said “Yes!”

First Came Love

Then came moving in together. Then came wedding planning. Then came puppy-parenthood – we welcomed Cesky the chocolate lab to the family in November!

We continue to navigate the challenges of building a life and family together with the foundation of love. We are so excited to share that love and celebrate with you all on August 31, 2024!