Austin and Taylor met during their college’s orientation week back in August 2014. In Albany NY, both distances away from their hometowns, but ready for their biggest adventure yet. They became friends rather casually, hanging out with the same group of people and having the same classes together. Taylor thought Austin was easy to talk to, funny, and loved his cheerful personality that could brighten up any room. While Austin thought Taylor was sweet, charming, and always fun to be around. To this day both feel the friendship came so easily as it seemed like they had known one another for years. Whether it was studying for chemistry, going to the student center for lunch, or Austin trying to make fun of her in class by playfully calling her names, their friendship took off. However, little did they know each thought the other was cute and wanted to be more than friends. Right before Thanksgiving break, Austin asked for Taylor’s Snapchat account (back when you could get their cell number from this). Austin texted Taylor the first morning of break, and the conversation has never ended! They began texting faithfully day and night, while secretively crushing on the other. Taylor would need “help” on her chemistry homework and ask Austin just as an excuse to get to see him. While Austin would invite Taylor over to his dorm room for his famous nachos and to watch their favorite show at the time, Breaking Bad. Fast forward to after Christmas break, when Austin asked her on their first date. On January 19th 2015, they went to an Italian restaurant called Lombardo’s. They shared chicken parmesan and spaghetti and it was then when he asked her to be his girlfriend. She of course said YES and they listened to the country song “She said yes” all the way back to their campus. Fast forward again, 8 years later (said in the SpongeBob SquarePants timecard voice), now both done with graduate school, they are living in North Carolina with their kitty Bert and puppy Koda. Both are so grateful for and loving every minute of this life together. One thing left to do though! They are so excited to be getting married at last and cannot wait to celebrate this day with their loved ones. The engagement 7-8-18 It was a beautiful day at the lake in the summer July 2018. They spent the day swimming and riding jet skis. At this time, they both had recently graduated from ACPHS and trying very hard to get into Physician Assistant School. Although Austin knew this weekend would be one they would never forget, Taylor was completely unaware. Throughout the day, all Austin could think about was the engagement, his heart racing with nervousness and excitement. He knew Taylor was a hopeless romantic, and what he had planned was very unlike his usual quiet love. But he knew it was everything she had dreamed of. During the evening of the planned engagement, all of Taylor’s family joined at the Skaneateles pier waiting for Austin to come and get ready. Taylor was told Austin and Ben were going to get seats at the restaurant early, but so much more was planned. When they arrived, all of Taylor’s family greeted Austin with excitement, not knowing how fast his heart was pumping. After getting all set up, Austin and the family stood at the end of the dock waiting for Taylor’s arrival. Austin was standing in the middle of a handmade sheet with a big red heart made of rose petals. When she arrived, everyone could see her walking down the road with her mother in law and sister in law, believing they were just going to dinner. It wasn’t until halfway down the dock when the crowd split and Taylor noticed what was going on. Austin’s heart was pounding fast as ever as a she approached with “Marry Me” playing in the background. In the next few minutes Taylor said “Yes” and all was celebrated! It was the best day ever!