We’re getting married!

Like any story, this one has many “beginnings.”  In some ways, it begins in Pflugerville, TX, in a land of blue and gold sequins under the Friday night lights, of oversized mums pinned to denim jackets at homecoming, and of jumbo pickles served at movie theaters.  But it also begins in Istanbul, Turkey, where in the daytime a collection of men in folding chairs can be found watching a particularly good bit of construction. At dusk, street cats venture away from their beds in trendy cafes in search of pets behind their ears, and at night live music mingles with the sounds of friends sharing a bottle of rakı in the summer air. Perhaps more to the point (and why you came to this page?) this story also begins in Cambridge, MA. Specifically, it begins in a reading group titled “The Critiques of Legal Education,” led by Professor Jon Hanson. Maggie marveled at the cute, somewhat pensive boy who was always prepared for class but (shockingly, she felt) didn’t feel the need to hear himself speak. Ata didn’t realize the reading group was scheduled precariously close to Maggie’s regularly scheduled afternoon nap, so he thought (shockingly, he feels) she was quiet and reserved. A month later, this story found two new beginnings, when both Maggie and Ata thought the other asked them out. The first, when Maggie pulled Ata into a dance and then put her number in his phone with a hint that he should use it (Ata is quoted as saying “the coolest thing just happened to me!” as he left Beat Brew Hall that night). The second, when Ata texted the next morning making plans for dinner.  The two have collected beginnings ever since: the beginning of their relationship, with a whispered “I love you” after a game night with friends; the beginning of Covid, and finding closeness in a world of social distancing; the beginning of their little family, with the addition of four paws and 25 pounds of fluff in the form of Olive; the beginning of their life in NYC as they began their new careers; and recently, the beginning of their engagement, surrounded by friends and family.  On July 19, the two will celebrate the beginning of their marriage in Thompson, CT. This, too, will be led by Professor Hanson.  Whether you are attending this beginning, were with us for one of the many “beginnings” before, or will be with us for new adventures in the future, we’re thrilled to have you with us ❤️