In Brendan's Words: Well, I remember it being a cold night in mid September of 2012. It was my freshman year at Hofstra and I was majoring in Music and had to take a jazz combos class where we formed a jazz band that would perform later in that semester. I was a drummer and connected with a few other guys and we needed a lead singer. One of the guys in our group went right up to Jackie and asked her to join our group. She said yes right away, flashing that contagious, beautiful smile of hers (I remember her smile distinctly), and thus began our journey together. We became friendly, but to be honest, it was very platonic at the beginning. I admired her talent so much and just how she went about her business. I leveled with her so much on that and it was clear we were on the same page. She ended up asking me to audition for her a cappella group that she ran, and literally never singing a note confidently in my life, I kind of just went for it. I then found myself music directing her group for three years, running it alongside her, and that experience alone brought us even closer together. I pretty much knew that after she graduated, as I was preparing for my final year at Hofstra, that we would start really exploring our feelings for each other. I am so grateful that we made that choice, because I quickly realized that I was blessed to have found the girl I knew I always wanted. And the best part is, she was right there with me the whole time. In Jackie's Words: Brendan and I met in the beginning of my Sophomore year at Hofstra in a music class called Jazz Combos. One of our very friendly classmates approached me asking if I would sing in his combo, and I happily agreed. I walked into their rehearsal area to meet everyone and saw Brendan sitting behind the drums, backwards hat, athletic shorts, mid-calf socks and all. When I introduced myself to him (in my usual, upbeat Jackie way), I got a cool guy head nod and very nonchalant, "hey" in response. Needless to say, he didn't exactly give off his warm, goofy, mushy, caring personality that I fell in love with at first, but I laughed. I feel like maybe I just knew that there was something different about him. Our friendship grew. First, it was that combo and then our a cappella group. Eventually, it was that and random impromptu lunches in the student center. Then, it was texting, phone calls and making plans for dinner. He became a real best friend-- someone I always wanted to be around, loved spending my time with, and felt like my genuine self in the presence of. It was just natural. After graduation, we finally came to our senses, went on a date and all that good stuff, and now here we are! 11 years knowing each other, 7 years as a couple, and a lifetime of love ahead of us.