Josh and Jessica met through his cousin Keith in a story that could really only be described as “meant to be.” Jessica and Keith’s Moms were both pregnant together and met at Lutheran General Hospital – over the years they maintained a friendship and Jessica and Keith stayed in contact. On New Year’s Eve 2010 Keith invited Jessica to a party that his wife’s Mom was hosting and of course his cousin Josh was also invited. Jessica and Josh met briefly that night and were snapped in a picture together. Several years went by before Jessica and Josh's paths crossed again.

During a text message conversation, Keith asked Jessica if she would like to be set up with Josh. At first, Jessica wasn't ready, because she had recently gone through a difficult breakup. However, after a couple of months, Jessica agreed. Jessica and Josh went to a birthday party at Keith and his wife Hannah's house. Jessica thought that Josh was in on the set-up and waited for him to make the first move. However, Josh didn't know the plan. No connection was made at the birthday party. But at another party three months later for The Fourth of July, Josh sat next to Jessica at dinner and struck up a conversation. They continued to enjoy talking throughout the evening. Josh and Jessica agree, in hindsight, that Keith not saying anything to Josh about the set up was a good idea because everything happened naturally. Josh friended Jessica on Facebook the next day, and they messaged back and forth for awhile. Being an English teacher, Jessica was impressed by Josh's thoughtful, detailed responses (and his proper use of grammar).

Their first date was eventful – they went to Elk Grove Bowl, had dinner at Mago Grill in Arlington Heights, walked through a street festival, and sat together at North School Park. Since then, they adopted the most adorable dog (Julie), developed a mutual friend group, traveled together, and survived the COVID-19 pandemic together. A few months after their fifth dating anniversary, Josh proposed to Jessica by the fountain at North School Park (accompanied by Julie) on a beautiful fall day in November.

When I first met Jessica and Josh I was struck by how connected they were and how easy it was to talk with them. They share a love of learning and appreciation for history and vintage aesthetics, and for me the real connection came in our shared fondness for our hometown of Arlington Heights! Jessica and Josh’s love of the local was very much a part of their wedding celebration at The Metropolis Ballroom, it was fun to be reminded of all the great aspects of Arlington Heights throughout the day (my favorite was the Arlington Club soda box they used for their wedding cards!)!

We planned Jessica and Josh’s first look at North School Park, the same place where they got engaged! It was really special to take pictures of the two of them near the fountain! After their first look we were able to connect with Josh’s uncle who had brought along his gorgeous custom restored “woody” wagon for pictures, this stunning vintage yellow car definitely set the scene for some unforgettable photographs! After positioning the car just so near the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and getting some great shots we went back downtown and met up with Jessica and Josh’s wedding party and family for photos. Their sweet dog Julie joined the fun for pictures and was such a good girl!!

It was soon time for Jessica and Josh to make things official and they did so upstairs in the ballroom with a traditional and emotional ceremony. Once they exchanged their vows and sealed their union with a kiss it was time to start celebrating!! We had a lot of fun with the {surprise!} Jack Sparrow impersonator that Jessica and Josh had hired to entertain their guests during cocktail hour. And then enjoyed listening to the thoughtful toasts given during dinner. After Jessica and Josh’s first dance together as husband and wife their guests danced the night away in honor of this wonderful couple. It was a perfect day and we were truly honored to be a part of it!