It all started with a swipe on Hinge in April, 2022.

Drew had recently moved back to Chicago, leaving his job in Ohio to be closer to his friends and family. He grew up in South Barrington, where he played baseball and competed on the swim team at Barrington High School. Then he was off to The Ohio State University where he majored in Accounting, and minored in Engineering Sciences. He has found early success in his career, currently working as the Manager of Financial Systems at CNG, Inc. He had no idea how life changing that one swipe would be!

Monica, on the other hand, was working to finish her Master’s Degree in Spanish at DePaul. She had grown up in Mundelein and was very active in the world of choir and musical theater. She will still give a “Go Hawks” to any University of Iowa Hawkeye that she meets.She currently teaches both Spanish and ESL at Maine South High School. She was very excited about Drew from the day he swiped right on her!

They had their first date at Piece Pizza and they both left hoping for another. The only challenge they faced initially was that Monica was leaving to study in Argentina for two months that summer. They had only been dating a few weeks when she left, but between weekly “date night” FaceTiming, that included making empanadas together virtually and watching Stranger Things together while on two separate continents, they made it work and have been inseparable since the day Monica returned!

Over the last 2 ½ years, they have enjoyed many trips together including London, Portugal, Mexico and several others. Keeping with the tradition from when they were apart that first summer, Wednesday nights continue to be date nights, where they enjoy trying new restaurants in the city, making new recipes together, and walking the 606 Trail. Drew has introduced Monica to Formula 1, Mario Kart and the Fast and Furious movies, and Monica has introduced Drew to farmer’s markets, pedicures and puzzles. They cherish each day together and also have fun planning their future, including plans for a new puppy sometime in the very near future!

Monica and Drew are so thankful for the love and partnership they have found in each other. May 31st cannot come soon enough! They are beyond excited to become husband and wife and dance to their favorite songs throughout the night, and yes, Bad Bunny will be played! They are excited to share their special day with all their family and friends. This fusion wedding promises to be a memorable day!