How we met
In July 2024, a Chicago summer set the stage for our story—full of warmth, possibility, and the kind of magic that changes everything. At the time, we had no idea that one message on a dating app would change both of our lives! We met at Little Bad Wolf, went to West Fest, and somewhere between sharing stories, talking for hours, and laughing with ease, we both realized we had found a special connection. Cliché or not, we quickly realized that our Pisces and Scorpio personalities were already a match - It may sound funny, but it truly feels written in the stars!
“The moment we made eye contact, you had me…”
- Latoyska
Chicago AF!
Latoyska was born and raised in Chicago, Mike planted roots here immediately upon graduation and embarked on his architecture career. We both love it! The culture, the music, the food, the traffic, the diversity, the attitude and the self-confidence of Chicago are part of our being. Then came the detail that felt almost too perfect: Howard is the north end of the Red Line L-train, and Ryan is the south end. Our last names were already tied together by the iconic train connecting the far north and south sides of our city. Howard and Ryan were somehow already written into the story we were just beginning to tell. Bringing this cosmic correlation home, Jackson is downtown, at the heart of the red line stations, solidifying the synchronicity. Chicago is our place, and we are Chicago as F***!
Our Romance
Beginning with our first date and continuing every day since then, we are connected in a special way. We are open with each other, vulnerable, humble, and kind. We laughed until we cried that day, and we even teared up talking about the things that matter most to us—our children, our passions, and the lives we wanted to build. What we found in each other was not just love, but understanding.
We both lived a lifetime before meeting each other, we both are loving single parents, and have faced many similar challenges. We also have very unique stories to our upbringing that have molded us. Facing life's challenges and experiences has shaped us into being the ideal partner for each other. One of the best things about our love story is that friendship and communication have always been at the center of our relationship. We genuinely enjoy each other. We make each other laugh, we dispel each other's stress, and we meet each other with honesty, openness, trust, and care. This is the foundation of our love, and shaped the way we move through life together.
“I give you direction and you give me purpose”
-Mike
The Proposal
On October 22, 2025, our story took another unforgettable turn. During the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, surrounded by the skyline of the city we love so much, Michael got down on one knee and asked Latoyska to marry him. It was romantic, unforgettable, and perfectly us.
“We’re going to have a really great life…”
- Latoyska
Our Wedding
Earlier In 2025, we traveled to Costa Rica and fell even deeper into the peace and beauty of what we had found together. The trip felt dreamy, calm, and full of the same kind of peace that has always defined our relationship. When it came time to celebrate Latoyska’s 40th birthday, Costa Rica was the place we chose. As the trip got closer, and the pressure and expense of a huge wedding grew, we made a decision that felt true to us: we would elope.
So, one week before the ceremony, we ran to the courthouse and got our marriage license, and scrambled to gather the wedding dress, suit, and rings. On March 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., our dear friend Don Cornelius married us in Costa Rica. It was a serene setting among a couple of special friends and the howler monkeys as the summer sun set on the horizon.
“I'll try, but it's easy”
-Mike
The Celebration
However, the celebration of our union is not yet complete. We are incredibly excited to celebrate it with all of you, and to have the opportunity for all of you to meet us!! We understand that time is precious, and we hope that all of you can find the time to visit us in our special city at its most beautiful time of year. We are looking forward to sharing Chicago-style bites, incredible music, and a dance floor filled with the best songs from the best eras of our generation.
Our reception will be a formal / cocktail-style reception that reflects everything we love—elegance, joy, soul, and unmistakable Chicago energy. Because we are, and always will be, Chicago AF!
