We are strongly encouraging and desiring mask usage for all our unvaccinated guests and of course, anyone else who feels more comfortable wearing one. We will have medical masks available at the door. We will be seating inside and outside and the ceremony will be outside, weather permitting. If anyone feels the SLIGHTEST bit under the weather, PLEASE STAY HOME. We love you and we know you love us - please help us keep everyone safe.

Like all the other single, overworked 20-somehings in NYC, we were on dating apps because we worked too much to meet people in real life. Like all the others, we never expected anything more than a fun few months (or less, to be honest!) to come out of the depths of strangers on OkCupid. It started with AJ messaging Bree, -insert message here.-

We decided our first date would be a screening of “The Shining” in Bryant Park. Bree brought a friend along in case AJ was “a creep,” but when AJ ended up being extremely late getting out of work, they were alone and the movie was almost over. We walked through the area, ending up in Grand Central Station. Bree spread out a very hippie tapestry for an indoor picnic with whatever snacks could be gotten and we laid out and talked until a lovely NYPD officer asked them to take their spread elsewhere. We started talking, naturally, about music, politics, religion, The O.C., reproductive rights, and lots of things we had been taught NOT to discuss on first dates. We spent that first night laughing, debating, talking, and making out on a side street until it was so late we’d both only get a few hours of sleep before work the next day.

We never remember when this actually happened. AJ planned a “spotaneous” hiking trip to Cold Spring, NY. He was being weirdly nice and asked some fellow hikers to take pictures of us, which he previously wouldn’t let happen. And Bree was suspicious. They sat on the peak, looking out over the water and AJ said, ever romantically, “So...uh, should we make this official or whatever?” Bree made him actually say the words....and he charmingly obliged. “FINE, do you want to be my girlfriend or what?!” They went to eat at a cute, old restaurant where Bree would later steal a vintage microwave cookbook as a keepsake.

Upon meeting, Bree was living in the East Village with friends she met attending New York University and AJ was living in a land far, faaaaaaar away named East Elmhurst, Queens with friends. Thankfully Bree had a car, otherwise this long distance relationship may not have held up! After quite quickly spending most nights togehter, we knew moving in would work. Bree moved to Queens before we found our own place in Harlem and stayed for two years. When she decided to to back to school, we transitioned to Jersey life in Jersey City for another two years. This apartment brought us our kittens — we rescued Betelgeuse and Thackeray from the stray colony in our backyard! We finally settled down at the Jersey Shore in a cute little house less than a mile from the beach in Bree’s hometown of Neptune in September 2019. While these moves and work and school changes have not always been easy, we have spent our time going to tons of concerts, hanging with friends and family, exploring together, and making new homes and friends.

New Orleans has been Bree’s favorite place for ages, cemented by going to college there for a bit. She missed it terribly and a spontaneous trip was just what they needed before school...until AJ lost his job and Bree’s work slowed and it seemed like the worst time! But they decided to make the best of it. Bree’s favorite time and spot is after dark in Jackson Square, when all the tarot card readers and psychics set up their tables and the gas lamps come on. There’s jazz carrying from wherever street corner it’s being played, a haze from the heat, and the air smells sweet from the beignets at Cafe du Monde. She told AJ she couldn’t wait to show him. After dinner at her favorite spot in the Quarter, AJ suggested walking to the square to get our cards read. Bree wanted AJ to get his cards read after choosing someone. The reader had us first choose stones and hold them. Bree’s hand was gripping a quartz while AJ was holding a rose quartz open in the palm of his hand. “You’re afraid honey, but look! You don’t need to be. He’s literally handing his love to you right here.” AJ asked about work, but the cards that came up were all relating to relationships, love, and family. She said she sees his future full of family and water, near the shore. He asked one more time about work, and the King and Queen of Cups, the Lover’s Suit, came out instead. “Man, these cards REALLY just want you to know how special your relationship is! Do you have any more questions?” At this point, AJ said, “actually I do,” and got down on one knee, holding an open ring box....and said nothing else! “Do you have a question!?!” Bree choked out, half laughing and crying. He looked at the reader. “Is she going to say yes?” “You have to ask the question, honey!” When he finally got it out, Bree said yes and they were all crying. None of this was at all planned and it was the most magical, hilarious, and perfectly lovely story we could have imagined. #WeWereInTheCards

Due to COVID, we pushed our wedding, as everyone knows. However, we really wanted to get married on our original date. Our immediate families and wedding party came together at White Chapel Projects in Long Branch for an incredible and perfect tiny ceremony. As Bree and flower gal Lucille (whom Bree has known and traveled the world with since she was a babe,) were getting ready to walk down the aisle, Lucille said, “Bree I’m so excited for you and the baby in your belly!” “Cille, there’s no baby in my belly!” “Oooooo-kaaay!” We had the most perfect (albeit cold!) night we could have asked for and were so happy to be married. The next morning, we learned Lucille was right - there was a baby in my belly! We were shocked and elated to start our little family.

Atticus James McArdle made his way out of the womb, in his own fashion, on 6.27.21 at 2:13am - surprising everyone at a whopping 8lbs 11oz and 20.5in. We’re so in love and can’t wait to share our little dude. We had the best birthing team anyone can ask for - AJ was incredibly supportive as Bree had an unmedicated labor and we were so lucky to have our doula, and of course the best providers and nurses Bree is lucky to call coworkers. Atticus is the best baby and we love this new season of our lives.

After so many back and forth decisions, we decided we really want to party and celebrate our wedding and Atticus with everyone! We can’t wait to party with you!