We often get asked how we met, and we like to joke that it all began in an elevator. Technically, that’s true, but the real story starts a little earlier, thanks to an online dating site. It was there that Rohit sent me a message, and after a few days of texting and getting to know each other, we decided to meet in person for our first date at Cadillac Ranch, located at the National Harbor. We were both excited, but also a little nervous—after all, meeting someone for the first time in person after chatting online can feel like a big leap. So, we agreed to meet at the restaurant. I parked on the 6th floor, and Rohit parked on the 5th. As I got into the elevator, I wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary—until the doors opened on the next floor, and there he was: Rohit, standing right in front of me. Talk about a surprising (and perfect) first encounter! We laughed at the coincidence, joked about our "elevator romance," and headed to dinner. Over the meal, we dove into conversation, sharing stories, laughter, and getting to know one another in a way that felt easy and natural. We ended up walking around the Harbor, exploring the lights, the sights, and just enjoying each other's company. Before we knew it, it was well past midnight—time had flown, but neither of us wanted the night to end. That weekend, we made the most of our time together. Rohit joked that he needed to fit in as many dates as possible before I left for a three-week vacation. As it turned out, he wasn’t wrong—I was about to embark on some serious travel, but we still stayed connected. Whether through texts or calls when we had the chance, we found a way to stay close, despite the distance. Looking back, it feels like those early days were a perfect reflection of us: spontaneous, filled with laughter, and eager to keep connecting, no matter what life threw at us. As 2023 came to an end, our relationship was full of memorable firsts. We discovered a mutual love for travel and, much to our delight, Christmas! November brought our first big road trip together to Florida, where we visited Walt Disney World. We couldn’t have asked for a more magical experience, meeting Power Rangers and, of course, spending time with Mickey. The trip felt like the perfect way to explore a new chapter of our relationship—filled with laughter, excitement, and a shared sense of wonder. 2024 brought us many more first. We spent many weekends traveling together, exploring new places, and truly getting to know one another. Each trip seemed to bring us closer, and with every new adventure, we found ourselves falling more in love. In November, we capped off our year of adventures with a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The town was beautifully adorned with festive lights, setting the perfect backdrop to get into the holiday spirit. As we walked hand-in-hand along the river, surrounded by twinkling lights, something truly magical happened. In the moment, under the glow of holiday decorations, Rohit got down on one knee, and Alison said, Yes! It was a moment we'll never forget- a memory made even more special by the love and joy of the season. As we look ahead into 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the love, laughter, and adventures that this year will bring. Our first trip of 2025 was a little more low-key, but still unforgettable. We spent the weekend at a cozy Tiny House in the Catskills, surrounded by snow, warm fires, and each other’s company. It was the perfect way to unwind, reflect on how far we’d come, plan our future (and wedding) and dream about all the places we still want to visit together.