Dominique & Todd
August 21, 2021
As all Miami alum know, Green Beer Day is one of the most renowned holidays on campus. As a Chi Omega and a Chi Psi, there was already a Chi connection between Dominique and Todd - they just didn't know it yet. During the afternoon GBD party, the two met and Todd helped Dominique study for her Marketing exam later that day (like actually helped her review flashcards - get your mind out of the gutter). After her exam, which she aced, the two found themselves at the same evening party. Todd was a gentleman and walked Dominique home to the High Street Casual apartment. Standing on the balcony, watching over the craziness of High Street, Todd leaned in and the two shared their first romantic kiss. To Think That in Such a Place, We Led Such a Life #LoveAndHonor #MiamiMergers
While visiting Todd on his birthday weekend, Dominique courageously brought up the idea of starting a long-distance relationship. Two weeks later on 6/16/16 (How could Todd really have taken that long!?), the glorious relationship of Dominique and Todd began! Two weeks after that during the July 4th holiday, Dominique visited Todd in Chicago for their first full weekend as a couple. Even more importantly, Dominique attended her first Chicago Cubs game, which you all know how important that is on the Kovin side of the relationship.
South of the Equator they go! Dominique is 100% Ecuadorian and her parents grew up in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Todd joined Dominique's family to visit the extended Suarez / Zumarraga family. Dominique's mom, Monica, was "La Priosta" for this trip and hosted a religious ceremony, parade, and party for the entire family! The trip was filled with traditional Ecuadorian attire, food, and fun. Todd got to hone his Spanish-speaking skills and he received one of the best compliments a man can get: he dances like a Latino.
After two+ years of back and forth trips to/from Chicago/Columbus, Dominique moved to Chicago and the couple moved in together to the Gold Coast neighborhood (shout out to our third roommate, Erica - but let's be honest, Todd was the third wheel). Dominique and Todd enjoyed exploring the city, running by the lake, and discovering the joys of cohabitation. Todd planned a romantic date night at his favorite Michelin Star restaurant, Boka, for a fancy duck dinner! (This was also Todd's first Instagram post OMG)
To travel is to live! Dominique and Todd cherish their travels together. Other than Ecuador, they have been to 7 countries together. Whether it was playing La Vie En Rose riding up the Eiffel Tower (thanks Camilla!), finding Nemo in Sydney, summiting Mt. Tongariro, swimming with dolphins, achieving "secret couple" status, or teaching Dominique how to ski, every trip that they have taken together has strengthened their relationship. They have cultivated a passion for travel and creating new memories with each other.
During Christmas of 2019, Todd snuck away to "grab a tissue box and some water" and asked Dominique's parents for their blessing to marry their beautiful daughter. In February 2020, Dominique's and Todd's parents were meeting for the first time. Todd thought this was the perfect time to ask for Dominique's hand in marriage. He even had Camilla and Hannah join for the occasion. Todd picked Dominique up from class and walked her along the lake in Evanston. After successfully getting Dominique to the proposal spot without her seeing her posse, he started his rambling monologue of how much he cared for and loved Dominique (which they both blacked out during). He eventually pulled out the ring, got down on a knee, and proposed to the backpack-and-puffy-jacket-wearing Dominique. Through her tears, she accepted the ring on her finger, but to this day, she technically has not said the magical word "yes".
Eloquent. Passionate. Driven. I still remember the day in Minnesota when I asked my parents for a little sister. As she wanted to step into the world feet first when she was born, she has been my favorite little feminist (Who runs the world? GIRLS!). My sister and I grew up quoting all the chick-flick movies, we love a cheesy rom-com (our favorites: What a Girl Wants, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, & Something Borrowed). She inspires me through her thoughtful words/poems, her tea enthusiasm, her zeal for veggies, and her resilience. My family is proud that she bleeds crimson and is a social justice warrior. When all three of us hang together, Todd knows that he is the third wheel. I am honored for my little sister to be my Maid of Honor!
Thoughtful. Benevolent. Ingenuity. We met freshman year right across the hallway of Emerson Hall, but have been devoted roomies for over five years. She is the "I" to my ENFJ. We were always on each other's sides, as we started our careers together at Nationwide (get it "On Your Side®"). We are big car dancers- Glee mashups are our fav! From eating Dividend Salads (don't forget the Sweet Herb dressing) at the Farmer School of Business to hiking up Mount Crested Butte (it was intense), we have learned to challenge ourselves to new heights!
Giggly. Crafty. Determined. Erica and I have been shorties since third grade. From blasting Michael Bublé in our car rides to enjoying refreshing frappuccinos at the New Albany Starbucks to living together as roomies in Chicago, we have always lived our lives laughing. Growing up, we both thought that we would pursue a career at LBrands, but our paths took us where we were meant to be. I thank Erica for introducing me to Hamilton, it was my number one Spotify soundtrack in 2019 (look around, look around at how lucky I am to have "a bridesmaid" now!).
Adventurous. Spontaneous. Artistic. I remember our first Barbie playdate in third grade and selling silly putty door-to-door around the neighborhood. From creating elaborate dolphin hotel plans to enjoying intense work out classes (Hot Yoga Sculpt- here we go!), we have always found ways to stay in touch across different hemispheres (Columbus/Chicago -> Argentina/Madrid)- thank goodness for WhatsApp. We have always enjoyed cooking healthy meals together and learning our mom's signature recipes!
Imaginative. Musical. Optimistic. I first met Alexi at her wedding (thanks for giving Todd a plus one)! From watching her dance to "Blame It on the Boogie" with Todd on the dance floor to scheming on what desserts we want to order together, I am grateful for her welcoming me to the family. I enjoy hearing her sing her musical melodies and I appreciate our geeky Marvel chats (Groot is such a cutie)!
Loyal. Driven. Whimsical. We met when we were three years old and we couldn't seem to get rid of each other after that. He's always been there to support and challenge me through all the easy and difficult decisions I make. From choreographing a dance to "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi to making me tell his parents that he "lost" his credit card in Japan to our never-ending squash matches (because we kept playing more, not because they were close...), there's no shortage of moments that stand out in our friendship. We've been by each other's side for every single school graduation, fraternity initiation, and broken clock and I'm honored to have him by my side as my Best Man!
Loving. Thoughtful. Expressive. I am naturally a very positive and smiley human being, but if you ever want to smile and laugh non-stop for an indefinite period of time, Joseph is the go-to person. He also happens to be the best cuddler I know (sorry Dominique). As a cornerstone in my life, he has been there for my best times (i.e. guest appearance in the great Vitamin D commercial/class project) and my worst times (i.e. getting tossed out of a baseball game in Lake Bluff). He is my rock and someone that will always be there with a listening ear and a love for life no matter what happens.
Inspirational. Adventurous. Chill. As my "Big Brother"/"Dad" in the Gentleman Fraternity, he showed me the ropes and pushed me to get the most out of college and life. As often as we would go to house parties, we would sit and talk about the meaning of friendship, love, and leadership. From gallivanting around the Swedish furniture store known as IKEA to Gingerbread and Penguin Halloween circa 2012 to our plentiful intramural soccer championships, he brings out the best in me when he isn't meditating and showing me his puppies.
Appreciative. Jolly. Yes-Man. His smile and hair will melt your heart. The two moments that symbolize our relationship the most are 1) the day we agreed to take off work together and proceeded to walk around Chicago and talk about what we wanted to accomplish in life and 2) the glorious vacation to Portland, Maine filled with kayaking, lobster rolls, beer, and hiking. He is someone I can talk talk to about anything and we are each other's biggest fans. We can't wait to have Brian put his personality and zest into our wedding ceremony and our dance floor.
Aug 21
2021
TO 11:59 pm
Aug 20
2021
TO 11:00 pm
