After matching on Hinge in March of 2022, Maureen and Austin both walked into Sly Fox Brewery to meet for the first time on April 7th. Austin was there first and was scrolling on his phone (if Maureen remembers correctly). It was also not the original first date location...Maureen didn't want to walk in the rain so last minute, she asked if they could change locations. Austin didn't know that Maureen was a weirdo yet, but he would learn. The in between details have been lost to old (#30s) age, but there was food and beer (good for Maureen, not Austin's favorite), good conversation (mostly Austin talking and Maureen listening), and fried Oreos at the end, which probably sealed the deal for Maureen because who doesn't like fried Oreos?! (If it is you, Reader, Maureen is revoking your invitation to the wedding!) After that first date, the conversation, laughter and connection never ended, and suddenly it was 2024 and there was a question and a ring...

Unbeknownst to Maureen, Austin had chatted with the Plovers, bought a ring, and made plans in December 2023. And the ring in question was hidden in the basement of their West Reading apartment all the way up until May 6, 2024. Austin is a good secret-keeper. Some things happened - but they don't matter so much anymore - and Austin's plan to propose on May 5th turned into May 6th. It was a beautiful day (cue the U2 song), and they drove to the Lititz Springs Inn for dinner. Maureen should have known something was up because it was not winter coat weather, and yet, Austin was carrying his with him. (Spoiler Alert: the ring was in his jacket pocket!) Austin was smart and knew that proposing in front of a bunch of people was a terrible choice, so he opted for the sidewalk by the car instead. Maureen was surprised (but also not), and immediately said yes! There were celebratory phone calls, texts and messages to family and friends. Maureen stared at her new ring for a very long time, and Austin was glad to not have to carry his jacket around anymore.

There will be good food, free drinks, lots of laughter, so much dancing, and a few surprises!