Our Story
A few stops along the way, from first meeting to the big day.
December 3, 2019
Matching and the First Date!
After matching on Tinder over a shared love for video games, tabletop board games, and D&D, they met up at Confusion Corner for what was meant to be a quick chat between Janina's classes and a work shift. Four hours of non-stop conversation later, Janina begrudgingly had to clock in at Starbucks, knowing she and Chad had just found something truly special.
December 22, 2019
Making it Official!
While their connection was undeniable, agreeing on their actual anniversary took a little friendly negotiation. Chad thought they were officially a item early on, while Janina was waiting for him to make the big ask. After Chad casually referred to her as his "girlfriend" that January (prompting a quick playful callout) they settled the debate once and for all by splitting the difference and picking a date in December.
February 2020
The 'I Love You' Moment
About three months into dating, Chad’s feelings overflowed and he blurted out "I love you" entirely out of nowhere. Caught completely off guard, a wide-eyed Janina instinctively responded with a polite and painfully hilarious "thank you!" While it wasn't the classic movie response, it became one of their favorite memories, especially after Janina happily said it back not long after.
April 2021
Nina Graduates Nursing School
Graduating university and passing the grueling NCLEX exam was a huge milestone for Janina, and Chad was there every step of the way, from study buddy to chief cheerleader. As Janina transitioned into her rewarding yet exhausting new role as a nurse, Chad became her ultimate anchor, making sure to cherish their daily 30-minute commute phone calls, which he affectionately dubbed his "Nina time."
March 2022
Chad's Career Change
After ten years on call as a CN locomotive engineer, Chad decided to trade the train tracks for tech, using his impressive brainpower to teach himself programming while Janina cheered him on every step of the way. Guided by an early leap of faith at a startup with his friend Aaron, he steadily built his experience into a thriving career as an AI software engineer, a transition that now lets him work from home, cuddle the cats, and spend far more quality time with Janina.
March 2023
Our First Trip Together - Jamaica!
Craving a well-deserved break, Janina suggested a last-minute, all-inclusive getaway to sunny Jamaica. Even with Chad bringing his laptop along to keep up with his career transition, they soaked up every moment of the gorgeous beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious jerk chicken, marking the first of many worldwide adventures to come.
August 2025
Moving in Together!
After Janina spent a year living on her own to build her independence, she was more than ready to officially merge their worlds. Moving into Chad’s Elmwood home, it didn't take long for her to work her magic—adding fresh paint, cozy decor, and a collection of trinkets that instantly transformed his bachelor pad into their perfect home together.
October 15th, 2025
Engaged in Japan!
The trip took an unexpected turn early on when bad luck left Janina without a working phone or rain jacket, but Chad was determined to keep the magic alive. Dragging themselves out of bed at 4:00 AM on a misty day in Hakone, he led her to a secluded spot at the Peace Torii Gate and got down on one knee. After a joyful "Of course!", Chad was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief, no longer worried about losing the ring, just hoping Janina wouldn't lose anything else on the trip!
August 21, 2027
The Big Day!
The wait is almost over, and the best chapter yet is about to begin! We can’t wait to celebrate our love and exchange our vows with all of our incredible family and friends by our side.
2027 and on
Our Next Steps!
The best is truly yet to come as they step into this next chapter as husband and wife. From planning an unforgettable honeymoon and house hunting for their next home, to ticking off new destinations on their shared travel bucket list, they can't wait for everything ahead.