Our love story started with a brick—literally. My husband was doing his morning breathing routine when a brick flew through his window and hit him in the ribs! Shaken, he told his coworker Cathy, who said, “You need to call my realtor neighbor, Gia.” He looked me up and chased me for almost 2 years. I finally FaceTimed him and—well—he was insanely hot. The rest is history. I always say… the brick was me. 😉

One of our favorite memories? When our friend Matt convinced us to buy rollerblades. We hadn’t skated in 20 years, but we geared up—helmet, pads, the whole thing—and skated from Avondale to Lincoln Square (after a few beers, of course). I was 38, Sam was trying to be smooth, and we 100% looked like two total idiots. It was chaotic, hilarious, and honestly one of the most fun days we’ve ever had together. 🛼🍻

We’d donate part to Lurie Children’s Hospital in honor of my best friend’s nephew who passed—supporting them means a lot to us. We’d also take my mom to her hometown in Fano, Italy next year for her 80th birthday—she’s never been back, and I’ve never seen it. Lastly, Sam and I paid for both our weddings ourselves—no handouts, just hard work. —so we’d use the rest to chip away at the debt we took on to celebrate our love. ❤️