Abby and Alex first met each other in 1999 in their kindergarten classroom at Robert Mascenik Elementary School in Iselin, NJ. Little did they know it at the time, but there on the alphabet carpeting of Ms. Troyano’s classroom, a seed of friendship was planted between two kids that was destined to last a lifetime. 24 years ago that seed of friendship was planted, and for the rest of their lives they will continue to watch it grow beyond all measure. Remaining friends throughout their childhood, into high school, and beyond, Abby and Alex have already shared countless memories together, and they are eager to share countless more to come. Whether it be All Star Day with the students of Robert Mascenik at the park, game and movie nights spent laughing with their friends, and trips to the mall, Six Flags, or the beach, as friends Abby and Alex were always ready to share a laugh and a smile with each other. They always cherished each other’s company, and their friendship remained true. Abby and Alex recognize that over time it is normal for people to form new friendships in place of old ones, to move away, or to drift apart, which only makes them even more grateful for each other, and for their story of life-long companionship. College was an opportunity for Abby and Alex to make new friends and experience new things, but even the distance between them could not split these two. Both feeling the need to spread their wings away from home, Abby shipped up to school in upstate, NY, while Alex returned to his ancestral roots in faraway Pittsburgh, PA. Whether it was extending well wishes for birthdays or striking up random late night Snapchat conversations, Abby and Alex made it clear to each other that their connection was both comforting and resilient. Summer breaks and Friendsgiving feasts were perfect opportunities to check in on their friends from home, but most importantly, to check in on each other. In fact it was during one such gathering of friends in 2017 that Alex finally reckoned with the special place Abby always held in his heart. Later that winter, Alex finally worked up enough courage to ask Abby out on a date. 24 years in the making, they were ready to turn a friendship into something more. When Abby told one of her girlfriends she had a date planned, she thought it would be a surprise whom she was going out with. Her friend responded, “Alex. Who else could it be?” That response was all it took for Abby and Alex to finally see that the world had always planned for them to remain the closest of friends, because one day, they would marry. For the next five years Abby and Alex began to experience new things in life that neither had expected. Their shared love of everything outdoors has led them to new places and countless memories. Abby taught Alex how to ski, and now they constantly dream of all the mountains around the world they want to conquer together. They even splurged on completely new backpacking kits, but after encountering a black bear during their first camping trip, neglecting to eat any food and deciding to set up their tent to fall asleep before sunset, they haven’t tried another trip yet. Instead, Abby and Alex regularly hike the New Jersey wilderness, where a highway is always within earshot. In 2019, Alex adopted Reggie, the golden retriever puppy who has since inserted himself squarely between the young couple. 125 pounds of pure love and warmth, Reggie has become Abby and Alex’s mascot. They take him everywhere they can, and Reggie is sure to repay the favor by showering the two in kisses and an unimaginable amount of dog hair. 24 years ago, Abby and Alex planted a seed. Today they cherish knowing how their friendship has developed into the boundless, resilient love they share with each other.