Picture this: two strangers living separate lives decide to give a dating app a shot. Swipe right, match made, and that's where our story begins. First date? Dram and Draught. A cute spot, but little did we know it would be the birthplace of our story. We talked for hours, and by the night's end, Antonio was already thinking, "Yep, this one's a keeper." After that? We had several more dates, but Antonio was ready for more. He embraced yoga for the first time and became a regular at CorePower Yoga, where Brooke worked - the perfect excuse to run into her. Cue the pandemic? Antonio was working from home, and Brooke was furloughed. We had more time together and decided to make things interesting. Two long road trips (60 hours total!) and a wedding in Puerto Rico later, we were closer than ever. Our dogs even formed a canine alliance, sealing the deal on our unconventional but perfect family. Move in together? We happily upgraded from our one-bedroom apartments to a townhome. We had much more space but less time apart. Though we still weren't sick of each other! Proposal? It was a mix of surprise and knowing looks. Sneakily, Antonio tried to throw Brooke off, but let's be honest, she had an inkling. Nevertheless, he managed to add his twist to the night. He took Brooke back to where it all began, Dram and Draught, kicking off an anticipation-filled evening. The real magic happened afterward. We headed to the top of Dillon, where the Raleigh skyline painted a breathtaking backdrop above one of our favorite restaurants. This spot was more than picturesque; it was symbolic of our love story that had grown and thrived in the heart of downtown Raleigh - the perfect place to say yes to "forever." Now, here's the part where Antonio momentarily loses his words. He got down on one knee, and for a brief moment, the nerves took over. But fear not, he managed to mangle his way through the excitement, getting the words "Will you marry me?" out. As you know, Brooke said yes! The surprises continued as we made our way to Junction West. Our families and friends were waiting there, ready to shower us with love and celebrate the next chapter of our journey. It was a day filled with laughter, toasts, and hugs with those closest to us. Renovate a house? A milestone that brought its share of fun and stress. Brooke, armed with creative freedom, turned our house into a home. It wasn't just about paint and fixtures - but about shaping our sanctuary together. We learned a lot along the way, and it was her grandfather's house, so this made it even more special. Plan a wedding? We were knee-deep in renovations while we juggled picking a florist and caterer, trying not to lose our minds. Shout out to our planner, Chelsea, for keeping us on track. Renovating a house and planning a wedding was a crash course in compromise and a vivid chapter in our love story. After all is said and done, Brooke says she would still do it all again. As we stand here now, we can't help but feel gratitude for the people who became characters in our story. To our families, friends, and furry companions – we endlessly thank you for the support that made our love story richer. Ultimately, the shared glances, the inside jokes, and the comfort of knowing we've got each other's backs make this journey extraordinary. So, here's to the quiet moments on Sunday mornings and the loud cheers during celebrations. Here's to the tears we've wiped away and the laughter that echoed through the walls of our home. Here's to a love that grows stronger with each passing day. As we turn the page to a new chapter, let's carry forward the lessons, the love, and the unwavering belief that together, we can conquer anything. Here's to us – perfectly imperfect, beautifully flawed, and endlessly in love. May our story continue to unfold, filled with the magic of building a future together. It takes a village, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you all. With love, Antonio & Brooke