Andrea and Bill Schwartz moved to Gates Mills in December 2023, leaving behind the west side of Bay Village to embrace the charm and close-knit community of this quaint village. “I grew up in Kirtland and always appreciated the quaintness of Gates Mills,” Andrea shares. “We wanted a slower-paced lifestyle and to be closer to family.” With her daughter Lauren—a graduate and current graduate student at John Carroll University—living with them, and her sister and mother nearby, the Schwartzes are quickly finding their rhythm in their new home.

But their daughter Madeline, affectionately known as Maddie, created a truly unforgettable moment in the village. Maddie, a third-grade teacher in Kentucky, returned home for the holidays with her longtime boyfriend, Jack Aldridge. The pair has a sweet history—having grown up together in Bay Village, though their romance didn’t bloom until college. After five years together, Jack decided it was time to take the next step.

With the blessing of Maddie’s parents, Jack orchestrated a picture-perfect proposal right in the heart of Gates Mills. The family planned an evening trip to admire the village’s stunning light display. While strolling toward the pedestrian bridge, Maddie and Jack walked ahead, enjoying the peaceful, snow-dusted evening. Then, under the glow of a beautifully decorated evergreen tree, Jack got down on one knee and popped the question.

“It was magical,” Andrea recalls. “The lights, the snow, and the moment—it was perfect.” The family had even scouted the spot the day before to ensure everything was just right. Now, with photos to commemorate the special evening, the Schwartz family has a heartwarming new memory tied to their new hometown.

For Andrea and her family, Gates Mills has already become more than just a beautiful place to live—it's where love stories are written.