Our story began in preschool - two kids from neighboring towns with moms both named Pamela and with younger brothers that were the same age. Coincidence? Our moms became friends, and with another two families we became a tight knit little playgroup of 4 moms and 7 kids that hung out regularly for a few years. Jo remembers Austin as the only boy that wasn't gross, and Austin remembers Jo as seeming like a perfect angel until something didn't go according to her plan. He says not much has changed. As our younger siblings moved into elementary school, we all started making friends with kids in our towns and the playgroup silently dismembered. We met up a handful of times, added each other on Facebook, and just figured that was the end of our story. Many years later and unbenounced to us, we both chose to go to the same college. During college orientation week at CCSU, like something out of a movie, we turned a corner and ran into each other in the bookstore. Another coincidence? We exchanged numbers, got together to catch up, but nothing grew between us because our classes and social circles never overlapped. We saw each other once or twice on campus over the next few years and would say hello, but again it seemed like that was the end of our story. Fast forward to 2017 - Austin graduated college began in the workforce, and Jo was busy finishing up her last semester before graduating. Austin had started to give some serious thought to his future and what life had in store beyond working 40+ hours a week, and since we'd been social media friends for years he'd seen Jo's posts and thought she seemed interesting and different from other girls he knew. (Later when Jo asked for an example of why Austin thought she was interesting his first answer was because she had guinea pigs. Jo instantly knew she was talking to her future husband.) Austin figured why not give it a shot, and after asking her out on one never-ending date they both felt an instant comfort and spark that hadn't been there 5 years earlier - so a page turned and our story continued. Since then our life together has grown tremendously. Between living together for 3 years, moving twice, changing careers, and adopting our two guinea pig children our lives have been full of joy, challenges, excitement, and always love. We've spent the past few years together growing our passion for cooking, traveling and camping, doing more home DIY projects than Austin would probably like, being active, hosting holidays and gatherings, and of course sharing our love for all animals but especially our unhealthy obsession with Pip and Pio (and the future "small" ;) farm of rescue animals to come.) To put it simply the past 6 years have flown. We're so grateful for each other and the beautiful life we've chosen to build together, and are equally grateful for you all and your never ending support as we enter the beginning of our next chapter. Love you all and can't wait for 11/4!