WICKER PARK — This past Friday, a Chicago couple dressed as characters from "Saved by the Bell" got engaged at Saved by The Max, a pop-up diner inspired by the hit 80s/90s TV show.
Jaina Logan, a Chicago cosplay model and blogger, was role-playing Kelly Kapowski from the show when her real-life boyfriend, Matthew Sperzel — a street/lifestyle fashion photographer who was dressed as Zack Morris, Kapowski's boyfriend on the show — popped the question.
"He started it off by saying 'Baby, you're the s--- and I wanna make it legit' and I knew exactly what was coming. I cried so hard!" said Logan, 22.
Sperzel, 31, said, "I love her so much, I didn't delay in making her my wife-to-be. She's my soul mate and the woman of my dreams. I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
Over dinner, Sperzel presented Logan with an R2-D2 ring, made with sapphires and diamonds — inspired by the fictional robot character in the "Star Wars" movies. The custom ring was made by Pittsburgh, Pa.-based jeweler Paul Michael.
"Star Wars is a huge part of my life so it was absolutely perfect," Logan said, adding, "Matthew knew it would be a chance we'd be dressed up together, and knew it would be one of my favorite themes."
Logan described the experience as "really simple, very personal and touching."
Located at 1941 W. North Ave., Saved by the Max opened June 1st and after selling out of reservations for its first planned month in 15 minutes, extended the run through Aug. 31.
The couple's whirlwind romance started on April 2, 2016 at a cosplay/photographer convention after-party hosted by CosAwesome Studios. Sperzel was a photographer at the event and Logan was one of the models. They had not previously worked together before they met on April 2, Logan said.
After three weeks of dating, the couple moved in together and are currently collaborating on several projects, including a forthcoming Geek Fashion blog.
"It was all fast but when you know you've found the right person, everything moves just the way you want it to, and that's exactly what happened to us," Logan said.
Sperzel described Logan as "a smart, beautiful, tough, confident, determined, funny, spontaneous, adventurous, happy woman - all the things I want in a partner for the rest of my life."
Logan posted about the proposal on Instagram.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
