I "technically" met Justin in 2015 at an OSU bar. I don't remember interacting with him because I was too busy watching the game. We didn't see each other again until July 2016 at the House Picnic. He told me he was training for the Chicago Marathon and I was instantly intrigued. The following day was the 4th of July and we spent the day bar hopping with mutual friends. Eventually Justin nervously asked me on a date. He actually forgot to ask for my number but circled back to that before we all parted ways for the evening.
After the Ohio State game I pretty much chalked it up that it was 50/50 that I'd probably run into Krystal again since we had a mutual friend. Chicago is a big city and I was living a single, jet-setting life at that time.
Fast forward a year later and we met again during 4th of July weekend at the House Picnic. She of course forgot that we met a year earlier but was interested in my training for the marathon training. I somehow got our mutual friend to get Krystal to come to brunch with us the next day. The following day of events took us throughout Chicago and I finally worked up the nerve (after a few drinks) to tell Krystal that I had long admired her from afar and that we should exchange numbers in case I didn't see her again after that day. I initially forgot to actually get her number (again, the drinks) but finally got it at the end of the night. I don't think Krystal was initially interested in me so I quick had to state my intentions and sure enough she came around.
On our first date, we went to Yuzu Sushi & Robata (still a fave of ours) and went to for drinks and late-night chocolate chip cookies (Krystal's favorite) at Scofflaw. Between the Sushi and drinks, we sat in my car for over an hour because it was pouring rain that night and we had our first kiss!
- Justin
There wasn't one exact moment that made think he was the one. There were multiple acts of selflessness that let me know he should be my life partner. For example, within the first few weeks of us getting to know one another I had planned to drive to Toledo. Justin didn't want me drive alone (even though I'd done it numerous times) and offered to drive me home. He drove me to Toledo and then stayed with a friend in Ann Arbor. He picked me up a few days later and we returned to Chicago. I remember Karis saying he was a keeper for doing this. She was right :)
I've always known Krystal was the one for me because of the strong, caring, loyal and kind person she is. She's always mentioned me whenever she spoke about her plans for the future. She's been everything I've needed and wanted. She's supported me in everything I've done, in any decision I've made, and every day since we've been together.
With the uncertainty of last year, I knew I wanted to propose to Krystal but didn't know how. She gave me some grace but I realized some things just couldn't wait. I began planning the proposal in depth shortly after we attended Karis and PJ's wedding.
I proposed to Krystal on October 10th, 2020 while we were in bed at the Joseph Hotel. We toured the hotel the night before and we were excited to potentially get married there one day. I think I blacked out after popping the question because I almost forgot to put the ring on her finger. After a few hours of relaxation, I surprised her with a brunch with our family and friends who came into town for the weekend to celebrate us.