We're Getting Married!

July 20th, 2019. Ethan Waltersdorf and other Syracuse alums were throwing a birthday party that both Alyssa and Doug were invited to – eventually where they would first meet. Introducing: Hank's Juicy Beef. At Hank's Juicy Beef, Alyssa and Doug immediately hit it off. Alyssa impressed Doug with her constant conversation about her heat rash (Rash Girl) and Doug, in turn, impressed Alyssa with his knowledge of taxes. The chemistry was insane. They left that night exchanging phone numbers. The next day, Doug sent a few cringy texts and Alyssa went to the hospital for her rash (100-degree heat = hives head to toe). Again, the chemistry was off the charts. Despite the instant connection, Alyssa and Doug did not meet up again for two weeks. Alyssa went on vacation with her mom, while Doug checked in periodically and kept the spark alive. Their first date was at an equally romantic spot as where they first met – The Black Ant. This particular restaurant was well known for serving bugs on their food such as Cricket Croquettes and Ant Leg Salted Guacamole. Thankfully, with a few margaritas, they perservered through the bonding experience. Fast forward a few months later, Doug officially asked Alyssa to be his girlfriend on November 9th, 2019. Through all of the classy and out-of-the-ordinary dates, their relationship blossomed due to their shared perspective on a life filled with humor and overall just being weird. For example, Doug likes to drink directly from the sink (Sink Boi) and Alyssa tolerates it because it doesn't create more dishes. Alyssa and Doug love exploring new places together and have gone on several vacations including Spain, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Alaska, Paris, Ireland and beyond. But for them, it's the day-to-day adventures they love the most – their Saturday morning acai bowl ritual, their morning walks along the East River, and their weekly experimental recipes (shoutout Sunday Soup Series). Doug proposed to Alyssa on April 6th, 2024. She said yes! And here we are!