Grab your passport

Andrew and Tisha originally met how most New Yorkers in their late 20s meet, online (shoutout to Bumble!). After some conversation (i.e. texting), they decided to meet up for a drink. They talked for hours about everything from politics to online dating. They even got into a debate with a couple people at the bar about dating in New York - boy, were they shocked when they found out that Andrew and Tisha were on their first date and had just met a mere hour before! Somehow these two strangers were so at ease with each other that they could talk honestly and openly, and they also learned that they shared a lot of the same views and values. Thankfully they didn't run out of things to talk about (one of Tisha's biggest fears), and Andrew asked her out on a second date to go see a Brooklyn Nets basketball game. Two years later, they still relish in their conversations with each other and learning from one another daily.

The idea for the proposal actually happened during the couple's trip to Iceland. Tisha loves penguins and had wanted to do an excursion where you got up close and personal with them. Unfortunately, it was not the season to see penguins during their time in Iceland. When Andrew was thinking about how to propose, he thought back to that trip, and vowed to make her dreams to see penguins come true. Andrew discovered the Long Island Aquarium had a special exhibit called the "Penguin Excursion" in which aquarium visitors can interact with live penguins. He wanted to surprise her with this so he simply suggested a fun weekend trip to Long Island. First they stopped at a winery and then they went to the aquarium. Andrew finally revealed that they would be playing with penguins since they had missed their opportunity in Iceland. Touched by such a thoughtful gesture, Tisha started to cry (little did she know what was about to happen). After the "Penguin Excursion" ended, the other guests left, but the penguin keeper informed Tisha that Andrew had paid extra for "special penguin time." The instructor told Tisha that the aquarium was trying to train Pam the Penguin to do tricks such as bringing items to guests. They took Pam to the back, and instead of bringing an item, Pam emerged wearing a bow tie that said "Marry Me." At this point, Andrew got down on one knee, and now here we are, ready to take this journey with you, our friends and our family, by our side.

Why Portugal? Both of Andrew's parents immigrated to the States from Portugal as small children. Andrew had visited once growing up, but like most young kids, did not appreciate the beauty and culture of his homeland. It wasn't until he met Tisha years later that he wanted to go back. After learning Tisha was dating a Portuguese guy, both her parents and her good friends, the Dunns, were insistent they travel to Portugal, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Portugal was also fast becoming one of the best places to travel to. They were not disappointed. The food, the colors, the wine, the history, the music, they soaked it all in and loved it. Andrew now understands and deeply feels his culture more than he ever has. Shortly after getting engaged, they both picked Portugal as their first option for the nuptials. It is their deepest wish to mark the next chapter of their lives in Portugal and share it with the people who are most important to them. We hope you all find it as special as we do!