Amanda and Brian met online in January 2022, and from their very first conversation, things just clicked. They quickly discovered a shared sense of humor, similar interests, and a refreshing alignment in how they viewed life. Even though Brian was working night shifts at the time, they managed to talk and text every day—and it didn’t take long before something deeper started to grow between them. About a week and a half after matching, they met for lunch at a Panera while Amanda was on her lunch break. Brian, ever thoughtful, drove down early from Newport News to Norfolk to place their order ahead of time so they wouldn’t waste any of the short hour they had together. They spent the entire lunch laughing and talking non-stop and felt an instant connection. When the date ended, Brian gave Amanda a sweet surprise: a box of chocolate-covered caramels—her favorite—which she had only casually mentioned in a conversation. From that moment on, the two were basically inseparable. They continued texting, dating, and getting to know each other, and on February 14, 2022, they officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. Amanda’s Yorkie, Gryffin—who is famously selective about who he likes—was an immediate fan of Brian’s. Amanda warned Brian that Gryff would likely be anxious when she left, but instead, he curled up next to Brian and went straight to sleep. Over time, Brian even made the move from Newport News to Gloucester (despite joking about it being “BFE”), and as it turns out, he grew to love the peace and quiet. In July 2022, Brian planned to propose during the Fourth of July fireworks from their backyard. But when Amanda came down with COVID, those plans had to change. Not one to give up easily, Brian flew his drone outside so Amanda could still see the fireworks from bed. Though the proposal didn’t happen exactly as he envisioned, he couldn’t wait any longer—so he proposed anyway. It was quiet, meaningful, and perfectly them. Wedding planning took a back seat while Amanda focused on opening her new office, but they kept building their life together—starting with their first big purchase: a very comfortable new bed. They took trips to Pennsylvania and Florida to visit family, and in December 2022, they welcomed their golden doodle, Luna. She was a typical puppy (read: a handful), but they tackled puppy parenthood as a team. Over the following months, they traveled to New Jersey, Hilton Head, Antigua, and Las Vegas for family events, work trips, and weddings. In April 2024, Amanda and Brian took their first official solo vacation together to St. Lucia—and though Amanda suspected a second proposal might happen, Brian cleverly threw her off the scent. On the evening of April 9, 2024, he proposed again—this time with a new ring, surrounded by resort staff in on the surprise, a platter of mini desserts, and even a photographer and videographer to capture the moment. It was unexpected, beautifully planned, and incredibly special. Amanda and Brian love being outside, especially by the water—which has become the backdrop for so many of their favorite memories together. These days, they enjoy life’s simple joys: walking the dogs, tending to their garden, cruising on their boat, and relaxing on the deck in the evenings. There's nothing better than sunshine, a gentle breeze, and being out on the water together (with Gryffin and Luna as their honorary first mates, of course). They’re beyond excited to celebrate this next chapter with the people they love most—you! Thank you for being here, for traveling near and far, and for witnessing the moment they officially become husband and wife. Now let’s eat, drink, and party like Gryffin isn’t judging us from under the table. Because, in the immortal words of a classic rom-com: “A ring is like a circle. It goes on forever. It’s not like a triangle. Triangles have corners. It’s a circle.” And what better way to honor that eternal love… than with cake and questionable dance moves?

Since writing the above, Gryffin passed away on December 17th, 2025. He was Amanda's first baby, Brian's most loyal sidekick, our tiniest but toughest critic, and the soul who made our house a home. He is deeply missed and forever part of this love story and family- and absolutely still judging us, just from a better seat.