Annie and Akash’s story begins on June 4, 2023- with a swipe, a few witty messages and memes, and a first date that started with tapas in the West Village and ended with ping pong and jazz at Cellar Dog. Little did she know that as he was guiding her hand through the “proper” ping-pong technique, he was already falling for her. What followed were countless nights of takeout, laughter, and HBO binges, as they quickly realized that maybe a long-distance relationship between the Upper East Side and Jersey City wasn’t so impossible after all. A few months later, they took their first trip together to Barcelona. They wandered through the city, hiked Parc Güell, and explored museums where Annie enthusiastically shared her knowledge of art while Akash listened (and nodded along) to every word. One highlight? Annie pulling him into a random bar for a free salsa class, both of them struggling to keep up but laughing through every misstep. Naturally, gelato followed. Along the way, they’ve helped each other grow in every sense. Akash gave Annie the confidence to pursue and achieve her New York State teacher certification, while Annie inspired him to make meaningful changes toward his own life goals. What started as a spark quickly became a true partnership- built on support, growth, and a shared commitment to becoming their best selves. And then came the true test: moving into a 600-square-foot studio together. If they can survive that, they can survive anything. By then, Akash knew he wanted forever. On November 28, 2025, during a trip to Discovery Cove in Orlando, he planned a proposal complete with snorkeling and dolphin encounters. What Annie didn’t expect was that a dolphin would technically pop the question first, swimming up to her with a buoy that read, “Will you marry me?” After asking (multiple times) if this was really happening, she said yes, and the dolphin sealed it with an approving whistle. Akash then led her to her dream ring and made it official. They’ll be tying the knot in February 2027 in sunny Orlando- trading the noise of New York for a weekend surrounded by the people they love most. Annie and Akash can’t wait to celebrate with all of you and to create a wedding that’s just as fun, meaningful, and unique as their love for one another.