Okay, I must admit. I’ve loved this couple since I was introduced to them through some mutual friends. We met at a cozy little Starbucks near their place in Chicago (when I think about this it makes me sad that we don’t live in Chicago anymore, to be honest). I love when I get to sit down with my couples before making it official so I can hear all about their big day, their love, how they met, drool over the gorgeous ring and find out what that dessert table is gonna be like (I’m not trying to hide that I love me some good wedding cake and donuts).

Ariel and Tyler met all the way back in 2011 while they both were attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – GO COUGARS! Tyler would later go on to coach Ariel’s sorority powderpuff football game (sidenote: they lost) but eventually he won Ariel’s heart.

Ariel adopted a sweet pup, Eme, whom Tyler consistently made plans to hang out with. The excuse ‘can I see the puppy’ would only last long enough for Tyler to ask Ariel out on their first date. An Irish Pub in St. Louis where they would sit in the garden patio landscaped with a waterfall and a koi pond. I’ve never been but omgosh – it sure looks beautiful!

I asked Tyler and Ariel to describe what they love most about each other and before I share their answers I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon in the West Loop with them. While we did take tons of pictures one thing that I could see from the very beginning was how in-tune they were with each other. Tyler was always caring for Ariel as the day went on. He held her hand, helped her out of the car, carried the bag of stuff we had with us, made sure her hair was out of her face and melted into her when I asked them to get close. Ariel, the whole day would look at Tyler with the biggest smile, make jokes, laugh at his jokes, steal kisses on her tip-toes, hold his hand and snuggle in tightly when she needed some extra hugs. These two are an amazing couple and spending time with them really showed me who they were together and as individuals.

Tyler’s favorite thing about Ariel: “Ariel pushes me to be my best and always makes me smile even on my worst days.”

Ariel’s favorite thing about Tyler: “The way he cares for those around him and finds a way to make you feel special. He also does a great job of cracking a joke and keeping me laughing.”

I can’t wait for your wedding because I know it will be just a continuation of your love, happiness and bad jokes. 😉