Some love stories begin with fireworks. Theirs began with physics equations and led them to the Builders Building in Chicago.
In 2019, Christian was a brilliant graduate student at Lewis University, fully immersed in chemical physics. Danica had just stepped away from her career as a nurse and was courageously beginning the nearly impossible path toward medical school. There was only one problem. Physics. Her academic nemesis.
Christian became her tutor. What started as study sessions filled with formulas, diagrams, and frustration slowly turned into something neither of them expected. Between Christian’s calm explanations and Danica’s animated reactions to gravity, circuits, and problem sets that refused to cooperate, a deeper connection formed.
They bonded over Dragon Ball Z.
Over science.
Over family.
Over a dark, mischievous sense of humor that only they fully understood.
Without realizing it, friendship became something more.
And one day, it was simply obvious. They were each other’s person.
When Love Was Measured in Miles
Their love was tested in the most real way.
Distance.
When Danica was accepted into medical school in Colorado and Christian began working between Chicago and Iowa, life stretched them across states. Four years of long distance followed. But instead of weakening their bond, it proved its strength.
Nearly 2,000 miles every weekend.
Again and again.
Christian would leave work late Friday night and drive 988 miles straight through, no breaks, no hesitation, just to see Danica. After a weekend together, he would turn around and drive another 988 miles back to Chicago for work on Monday morning.
Danica lived between terminals and gates. She carried her whole heart in her carry-on bag, flying whenever her demanding schedule allowed. One winter, she spent 22 hours stranded in a blizzard at Terminal C in the Denver airport just to spend Christmas morning with Christian in Chicago before returning to Colorado to assist in surgeries as a medical student.
That is devotion.
That is choosing love, every single time.
Lily Bleu
During those long-distance years, they welcomed their first little piece of home. Lily Bleu, their mini Bernedoodle.
Her name was chosen with intention.
Lily, after a fierce and graceful character from the anime Bleach.
Bleu, for her unforgettable blue eyes.
From the start, Lily made her loyalty clear. Christian was her favorite. Always.
Danica embraced her role as Lily’s devoted roommate and forever third wheel with humor and love, grateful just to witness the bond between her two favorite souls.
Apartments.
Hotels.
Airbnbs.
Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Mexico, Spain.
Wherever they were, it was home.
Because home was never a place. It was each other.
Finally, Side by Side
In 2024, Danica matched at Illinois Masonic Medical Center for her prelim residency year.
Chicago became home again. Together.
No more counting miles.
No more measuring time.
Just mornings in the same space. City walks. Quiet nights. Shared routines. The simple magic most couples take for granted, now cherished deeply.
Their love was never built on perfection.
It was built on loyalty.
On sacrifice.
On physics textbooks.
On dog toys scattered across the floor.
On laughter that made even the hardest days lighter.
And soon, their next chapter awaits in Denver, Colorado, where Danica will continue her Diagnostic Radiology residency and where their family will keep growing.
The Proposal
Christian proposed at the South Barrington Christmas Light Show.
Romantic. Magical. Intentional.
Afterward, their closest friends and family were waiting at Ruth’s Chris for a celebratory dinner. The perfect ending to a perfect moment, surrounded by the people who shaped their love story.
Why Chicago Was the Only Choice
Chicago holds their beginning.
Their love.
Their memories.
It is where they first fell in love, where their story unfolded, and where so many of their milestones were written. Choosing Chicago for their wedding was effortless. The city that witnessed their start would now witness their forever.
The Builders Building was the perfect backdrop. Elegant, timeless, and rich with character, just like their story.
Wedding Day Highlights
One of their most cherished moments was reading their letters to one another that morning. Private. Emotional. Grounding. A reminder of everything they had already overcome together.
Their first look along the Chicago River felt full circle. The place where their love began now held their future. It was quiet, powerful, and deeply meaningful.
They brought old Hollywood glamour to life with their bridal party, creating moments that felt cinematic, stylish, and full of energy.
Their last dance was unforgettable. An acoustic version of 3-6-9 that stopped time. Guests paused. Venue staff paused. Everyone felt it. A moment of pure connection that lingered long after the music ended.
Nerves Before the Magic
The government shutdown threatened airline delays.
Almost their entire wedding party was traveling in.
The anxiety was real.
But love showed up.
200 guests crossed counties, countries, continents, and oceans to be there. Every seat filled with people who chose them, just as fiercely as they had chosen each other all these years.
The Honeymoon and What Comes Next
They escaped to The Bungalows in Key Largo for a tropical reset.
Warm air. Quiet mornings. Celebration without urgency.
Next comes growth.
More adventures, more laughter, and more love.
And eventually, more tiny feet and paws filling their home. Danica and Christian did not fall into love.
They built it. Mile by mile. Equation by equation. Choice by choice.
What began as a tutoring session became a lifetime.
A partnership rooted in loyalty.
A family defined by devotion.
A love that proves distance never stood a chance.
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
