Connect How did your love story begin?

We met studying abroad in Barcelona. It was a night filled with laughter, tapas, and sangria overlooking the city skyline. We hit it off right away and spent our first date walking through a park and talking for hours. Not two weeks later we were in Paris together and then Morocco and soon had traveled all across Europe together. Upon returning to the United States, we decided to make things official. We just graduated from UIUC with degrees in Accountancy.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We drove 22 hours across the country as a post graduate trip to Yellowstone National Park just the two of us. This was an immense bonding experience in which we grew even closer as a couple and experienced really living with one another. We ran into trouble setting up our tent, but quickly recovered creating a fire, grilling hotdogs, and enjoying s’mores. We encountered all sorts of wild animals, waded in various creeks, and discussed deep life topics. We hope to make these Park trips annual!

What would you do with $20,000?

We would give at least half of the money to Danny’s dad to help him buy a home in a location where he can enjoy his outdoorsmen hobbies that he cannot enjoy in Chicago. He recently lost his brother who he was going to move in with for retirement. This money would allow him to live his life, a life that he has spent living for Danny and her siblings, demonstrating what love truly is. The rest of the money we would use to invest in our future as a couple- to many more National Park trips!