I rented an apartment in my family-owned house on Potomac Avenue on the West Side of Buffalo for many years. There were three apartments and one became available. My friend and neighbor Jacki said she knew the perfect person. So, Amy Balling ended up at my front door (she is still programmed in my phone as "Amy Balling New Tennant" and I am in her phone as "Julie Apartment"). She had striking eyes and a warm disposition. I liked her immediately. I showed her the apartment and told her she could move in whenever she wanted. Fast forward a few years, I had made better friends with Amys cat Madeline than I had with Amy herself. And my dog Charlie (r.i.p.) was totally in love with her every time he saw her. Besides our pet connection and the sharing of walls, we talked a little but she never really wanted to hang out. And then something amazing happened in June 2014...Amy started being nicer to me! Did she actually want to be my friend? She was so funny and I just loved being around her. Finally, one night she asked me out to dinner and of course I said yes. Her perfect chivalry, kindness and sense of humor won me over pretty quickly. We went on a few more dates and before I knew what was happening, I was meeting her family and falling in love with them, too. On August 27th, 2015 at Riverfront Mutual Park, she surprised me down on one knee with a proposal, and a beautiful ring she had made especially for me. It was the happiest day of my life, to date. Bame, thank you for loving me so much. Our relationship has truly been like my fairytale. I can't wait to marry you and be a real, legal Balling! <3

In May 2011, I went to go look at an apartment. I was extremely sad to be leaving my Grandfather’s house that had recently been sold after his death. When Julie opened the door I was taken aback by how beautiful Julie was. For the next three years Julie and I shared walls but not much else. I was too busy being miserable, depressed and playing hockey. Julie would invite me to her house parties or to hang out but I always found a reason not to go. Pride week came in 2014 and Julie and I ended up seeing each other at Canalside downtown after the parade. We talked for a little bit and I told her I loved her dress (she thought I was complimenting her and was very excited about that, I'm told). I then mentioned that I actually would like to wear it. Julie just laughed, and we went our separate ways for the day. That night when I returned home from a Pride party, Julie was on the front porch with her friends. I asked her if I could come up and try the dress on. The rest is history! Julie, I did look better than you in that dress.* But on our wedding day, you will be the most beautiful woman on the face of the earth. It will be the happiest day of my life. I love you so much. (*actual picture of me in Julie's dress in the PHOTOS tab above)