Meghan and Joe met in August 2020 and have been a perfect Match ever since. After seeing her profile, Joe was drawn to Meghan by her emphasis on family, her Megnificent™ smile, and a feeling that there was just something special about her. Meghan thought Joe was handsome and seemed intelligent, but was most impressed with the fact that he had two dogs, Charlotte and Cooper, which demonstrated that he was capable of caring for more than himself. This only enforces Joe's take on her attraction to him: “Come for the dogs, stay for the dogs.” Their first date was at Saratoga Spa State Park where they walked together, learned about each other, and of course, wore masks and social distanced. They visited the Geyser Creek geyser, which they acknowledged as engineers was actually a spouter. Joe talked about his dogs and his love of amusement parks. Meghan tried to map out the Hogan landmass in Hudson Falls that includes dozens of relatives within walking distance of the original farm property. They also discussed Star Wars, as inspired by Joe’s face mask. Meghan checked in with her mom as a stranger danger precaution, but also required an elaborate system to prevent her mother from snooping on Joe (criminal history, GPA, SAT scores, etc.). Joe bribed his way to a second date by giving Meghan chocolates. Joe and Meghan continued getting to know each other on dates like apple picking, corn mazes, drive-in movies, visiting a US Navy museum ship, and viewing a spooky pumpkin light display. The couple eventually instituted a standing Tuesday night date night so they could see each other during the week in addition to weekends. They even held date night virtually when necessary due to COVID restrictions or travel. Meghan and Joe discovered that they have a similar taste in sitcoms and have mutual love for both board games and random little adventures. Joe even made Meghan an adventure book filled with obscure but interesting sites to visit in the capital region of New York. Meghan reignited Joe’s love for skiing and they have taken ski trips together to Vermont, Quebec, the western US, and even British Columbia. It became clear to both Meghan and Joe that they found something truly special together, so they got engaged on August 18th, 2023. They were in the Outer Banks with Joe’s family, and on the last day of the trip, the group (6 adults and 3 dogs) rented a pontoon boat on the Currituck Sound. Everyone agreed it was an amazing experience. After returning to the beach house, Meghan and Joe stayed to keep an eye on the dogs while the rest went out to shop and pick up takeout for dinner. Joe made his way onto the deck to look out over the ocean, and when Meghan joined, he played a “new song I like and downloaded to my phone.” When the lyrics first came into the song, Meghan exclaimed “That’s you!” to which Joe responded, “Uh… no, it’s a new band called ‘Your Blatant Admirer.’” When the final refrain, which was altered into a proposal, had finished, Joe was on one knee offering a ring to her. “Joe, of course I’ll marry you,” she said. The whole day was a great end to a great vacation, and the day itself had an incredible ending. Meghan and Joe are excited to enter into a new chapter together when they get married on May 3rd, 2025. They have each found the ideal partner for their journey through life. They look forward to every adventure that awaits them, every relaxing day of board games together, and every ski trip, lift ride, and trail they share. They’re thrilled for the wedding day itself, when they will officially commit to their lifelong adventure together. But the thing that is most important to them is the people they care about. This includes each other, but it also includes all of you. Joe and Meghan sincerely hope that you are all able to attend the wedding to have a Joevial™ time and to celebrate their relationship with food, drink, and entertainment. And then, onward to the next adventure!