Brendan and I met in 2013, when we were introduced by two mutual friends in high school. Somehow, despite going to the same school, we had never seen or heard of each other before—proof that timing really is everything. At the time, Brendan was 17, I was 16, and neither of us had any idea that a first date at the 99 Restaurant would turn into a lifelong partnership. On July 11, 2013, Brendan and I officially started dating, thinking it was just the beginning of a relationship- without realizing it was the start of growing up together. Almost thirteen years later, that first meeting has carried us through graduating high school, finishing college and grad school, traveling the world, purchasing our first home, becoming proud parents to two wonderful but absolutely chaotic cats who now run our household, and Brendan fully learning what it means to be a part of a very big, very Greek family- where “just stopping by” is never quick and saying no to seconds is not an option. On July 9, 2025, Brendan and I got engaged, and after growing up together in just about every way possible, we’re finally ready to make it official and tie the knot—with a little more wisdom, a lot more memories, and the same love that started it all.