Our story begins at Trinity College, during Julianna’s senior year and Ben’s junior year in 2019. It was a chilly November evening, and they met for the first time at a Shabbat dinner at Hillel House. Julianna broke the ice with what would become an unforgettable first line: “Nice thighs.” (In her defense, Ben was wearing shorts in November!) A few months later, they bumped into each other at an Alpha Pi Epsilon formal, and one long, excited conversation later, Ben decided he wanted to ask Julianna on a date. That date came in March 2020 at the AEPi Frat House, just before spring break. As Julianna left, she casually said, “I’ll see you later!”—completely unaware of the global pandemic that was about to start. When COVID-19 hit, lockdowns sent Julianna home to Greenwich while Ben stayed at the frat house in Hartford. Yet, the distance brought them closer. They set up “pandemic dates” where Julianna would drive nearly two hours just to spend time with Ben. Eventually, they both realized it was a little silly for her to make the trek every time, so Julianna moved into the AEPi house. From that point forward, they were inseparable. By May 1, 2020, they made their relationship official. They found that, even in such uncertain times, they were each other’s greatest source of comfort. Conversations came easily, laughter was abundant, and their shared sense of humor became essential when the world outside was anything but normal. Though they’re opposites in many ways, Ben and Julianna discovered they are the same where it counts: in their values, dreams, and vision for the future. After Julianna graduated, she moved to Atlanta to pursue her master’s degree at Emory University, and with Ben’s senior year now fully virtual, he was able to join her. While living in Atlanta, they not only navigated a new city together but also checked off a fun milestone: Julianna taught Ben how to drive. Since then, they’ve built their life together, sharing a home every step of the way. In March 2024, on a family trip to Italy, Ben proposed at The Golden View restaurant in Florence, overlooking the breathtaking Ponte Vecchio. Words can’t express how lucky we feel to have found each other, especially in such extraordinary times. We are so grateful to share this journey and can’t wait to celebrate our wedding day with you!