We're Getting Married!

Our story traces back to the halls of our eighth-grade science class in 2015, when we were just 13 years old. Fate, or perhaps our science teacher’s discretion, had us sit right next to each other for the entire year in Mr. Kachmar’s class. Despite being side by side every day, we never really spoke. What started as an awkward silence slowly laid the foundation for a connection that would grow stronger over time and endure through the years. Throughout high school, we drifted in and out of each other’s orbits, exchanging occasional words and smiles in passing. We were friends—nothing more. As graduation approached, our paths diverged. Greg joined the Marines and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, while Arleth went on to college at Moravian University. Years passed, filled with new experiences, friendships, and challenges. Then, over Labor Day weekend in 2022, Greg invited Arleth to hang out with him and his friends. It was just a casual gathering, but little did they know that this 96-hour weekend would mark the beginning of something much deeper. From then on, they saw each other every time Greg came up from base. But seeing each other just on weekends wasn’t enough. Arleth started driving the 9-hour trip to North Carolina to visit Greg, and despite the distance, they managed to meet up several times each month, proving that no amount of miles could keep them apart. After months of being "just friends," we decided to make it official on April 9th, 2023. We were both nervous because we knew the road ahead would be tough. On July 12th, 2023, Greg deployed with the 26th MEU. What was supposed to be a 6-month deployment stretched into almost 9 months. The distance and the lack of communication were incredibly difficult, but we made it work. We mailed letters back and forth, while Greg trained and traveled to places like England, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Latvia, and Italy. Meanwhile, Arleth stayed focused, working full-time, finishing her last year of college, and completing her final year of Army ROTC. Though the physical distance was challenging, our bond only grew stronger with every call, text, and shared moment. Navigating time zones and deployments, we found comfort in each other’s unwavering support. Greg's commitment to his duty deepened my admiration and love for him. Together, we weathered the storms, finding strength in our shared dreams and dedication to one another. Our love story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend distance and time. Though our journey has been marked by challenges and uncertainty, one thing has remained constant—our unwavering love for each other, standing strong against all odds.

Greg meticulously planned a two-day adventure filled with excitement, anticipation, and, ultimately, love. On the first day, he suggested a spontaneous photo session, well aware of my fondness for capturing moments together. The following day, despite the rainy weather, Greg's plans remained unchanged. He surprised me with a dinner reservation at the charming Glassbern Inn. However, there was more to this evening than initially met the eye. Before dinner, Greg whisked me away on a romantic stroll to admire the scenery outside the inn, the gentle drizzle adding a magical touch to the moment. Amidst the serene surroundings, he surprised me with a heartfelt proposal, uttering those four words I had longed to hear: "Will you marry me?" Overwhelmed with joy, I eagerly accepted. As we basked in the glow of our newfound engagement, our closest friends and family emerged from their hiding spots, ready to celebrate this special occasion with us. The day concluded with a celebratory dinner at the Glassbern Inn, where laughter and love filled the air. With our hearts full and spirits soaring, we embarked on a night of cherished memories, knowing that this was just the beginning of our new journey together.