One can expect a lot on their first day at their new job: nerves, uncomfortable new shoes, not knowing where the bathroom is, etc. What I did not expect on my first day was to be introduced to my future husband. That morning, after meeting a sea of new faces, the welcome tour ended at the cubicle next to the one I was to call home. Away from his computer screen spun my new (and very cute) desk neighbor who introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Kevin. Welcome aboard!" While the moment was brief, the impact was infinite. In the following months we grew closer as coffee runs became more frequent and happy hour invite lists dwindled until it was just the two of us. Later, a job opportunity would move me to a different department which meant that our career paths would take us in different directions. At first, I was sad thinking we would no longer sit next to each other everyday at work but quickly realized that our work-hangs would evolve into dinners and walks along the New York City skyline. One cold night in January at a happy hour in Hoboken with our coworkers, Kevin asked me to be his girlfriend- how unprofessional. Now, as we prepare for our wedding it makes me so happy to think that the cute boy who sat next to me at work is now the man that will stand next to me forever.

I booked reservations at one of our favorite restaurants and a hotel room in downtown Jersey City overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Surely this romantic night out wasn’t an obvious tell after a year and a half of sweatpants and Instant Pot curry, right? After a lovely dinner and being dropped off at our hotel, I needed an excuse not to go directly back to our room. I suggested a stroll to enjoy the weather and walk off the big meal we just had. The sky was clear and the skyline was bright. Great night for proposing. We reminisced about the many evenings we’ve walked through here for happy hours with co-workers to pregame our dinner dates. Unbeknownst to Emily, our friend Charles was waiting nearby with a camera at the ready (thanks, Charles!). The spot where I wanted to propose was not immediately available as there were passersby and tourists crowding the area. Let’s walk this random direction for a little bit. Yes, we just went in a circle, nothing odd going on here. Now let’s turn around to where I wanted to take you originally, and – oh my goodness, is he getting down on one knee? Why, yes. Yes I am. A marriage proposal can be a daunting task. Throughout the course of the day, questions popped into my head. Will the ring fall out of my bag as I enter the Uber? What do you mean, ‘what is that bag?’, I always wear this bag. Will I be a tense, nervous weirdo all dinner long? I asked myself many things, but there was no doubt in my mind that Emily is the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with.