The year was 2016. The location was Washington, DC. The place was Tinder, a reputable dating app for eligible bachelors (and supposedly bachelorettes) to meet their soulmates. Abe initiated the conversation with a cool “Hey, handsome,” to which Rupert responded by asking “Where did you get that donut?” to one of Abe’s profile pictures with a giant pastry from one of his visits to San Francisco. The spark was immediate, with both competing to outwit each other’s dry humor. Abe initiated the first date. A Friday night date turned into an all-weekend affair and, soon to be, a lifelong affair. Our in-person chemistry was strong from the start, and we fell in love after splitting weekends traveling between each other’s homes in DC and Fredericksburg, VA. A couple of months later, it became official: we came out publicly as boyfriends and, after 3.5 incredible years - including, notably, the adoption of our dog-child, Polly - Rupert proposed to Abe in 2020.

The year was 2020. Abe planned a weeklong getaway to Provincetown, MA. Rupert secretly planned to propose. The month was July, right when Massachusetts began instituting COVID-19 travel restrictions. The day was July 5, the day after our arrival in Provincetown. Abe led us by bicycle to Racepoint Beach. Riding behind him, Rupert hid the engagement ring in his pocket. The journey there was hot and further than expected. Abe was cranky and sweated a lot. But Rupert was determined! At Racepoint beach, we explored and laid to sunbathe. A few moments later, listening to Lady Gaga’s new album, Chromatica, Abe became distracted by a group of seals playing in the water. Rupert decided this was the perfect moment. As Abe distractedly video recorded the seals, Rupert looked at him and nervously asked ”Abe, would you marry me?” Abe laughed, thinking he was being facetious, responding ”Very funny.” Rupert pulled the ring out of his pocket and repeated, ”Would you marry me?” Abe’s jaw dropped, his eyes watered, and he stuttered “YES!” as 1000 Doves by Lady Gaga played in the background.

We are the luckiest guys in the world and cannot imagine our journey through life unless we’re side by side. We wouldn’t have it any other way. But we’ve had big plans - including moving to London and now New York. We knew we would be together, so what’s the rush? Four years later, we’re excited to celebrate our marriage with you: 06/24/2024 (a combination of our birthdays, which fall on 02/12 and 04/12).