We met while teaching in Waukegan.  After Jake's first year in the district he was put on the RIF list.  Luckily for him, when he was called back, his original position was already taken so he had to be given a new job within the district... enter Clearview.

 I was busily getting my room ready for my third year when our Assistant Principal introduced me to the new guy taking over for one of our fourth grade teachers.  I smiled, shook his hand, told him if he needed anything to come on over and I'd be happy to help.  

 Eventually he found my room again and started asking questions... A LOT of questions, in fact he'd visit my classroom everyday after school he had so much to tell me... HMMM 

Finally, while talking movies, we decided to have a movie night. Did he actually ask me out on a date... not in the traditional sense so I just assumed we were watching movies... until he texted me before we were to meet up and offered to pick me up.  That's when I realized that maybe this was not just movies.  Being independent, I said that wasn't necessary because it would be a waste of gas for him to drive up to me and then back down to condo then up to me and back again so I met him at the condo we went to dinner and then watched our movies.  Who knew that would be our last first dates.

Our wedding will be taking place at Immanuel Luthern Church in Des Plaines on December 6th.  Liking to go against tradition as I do, neither of us wanted a summer wedding... TOO HOT!  And I hate Spring so that left Fall or Winter.  Between the two of us we have at least 4 fall weddings and since I have always loved Winter (the lights, music, vibe) it seemed like the perfect fit.  (Plus we clearly do not have to worry about being too hot.)

The recption will take place at the Hyatt/Interconti/Loews Hotel.  Really, it is at the Loews Hotel of Chicago O-Hare.  We had to change our reception venue due to a double-booking by the hotel.  After a little stress, we were set to be at the Intercontinental only to have the hotel bought by the Loews Hotel chain.  To say this has been a wild ride would be an under statement!  (If you want more details on the double-booking, just ask Jake or myself.)  We are very excited to be at the Loew's Hotel and know that it will be a fantastic reception!

We will be traveling to Costa Rica for our Honeymoon over our Winter Break.  (Even though we don't teach together anymore, we still have some breaks that match.)  I have always wanted to see a rain forest and we figure now is the best time to go.  We will be very active on this vacation, spending time at the beach, white water rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, and suspension bridge walking as well as hiking along a volcano.  We appreciate any gifts as we go on this crazy adventure!  Stay tuned for facebook photos in the future.