Bears, beach, (tequila,) Lord of the Rings. Their common interests promised friendship. Chrissy Webber, Brooke's big sister, & Danny Mahoney, Brian's big brother, made sure the two would meet when each were staying in Ocean City. On June 4th, 2013, Brooke & Brian shook hands, hit the boardwalk with friends, & never wanted to part. The next day, they met again on the boardwalk & felt like they had already missed each other for a lifetime. When it was time to go home, the two made plans for Brian to come to Damascus and meet Brooke's girlfriends (Stevie, Sarah, Claudia, Poundcake aka Nicole P... & Cody). Bri made everyone margaritas to win their approval. From there, the couple continued to introduce each other to their worlds, families, and friends, as their spark became a flame.

That Fall, Brian became a freshman at Towson University & Brooke was studying at Montgomery College working as a server and nanny. Every day off, Brooke drove to Towson & quickly got to know/love/adopt Brian's dorm friends. Later, Brooke transferred to Towson University to study special education while Brian studied marketing. Those 19-year-old lovebirds moved into a 3 bedroom apartment with friends. Laughing HARD and learning about life the tough way, they made it through those years leaning on each other. In 2016, Brooke's dad, Chris Boyd, passed away suddenly. Brooke describes Brian as her "personal human life-preserver" for those many difficult days. In response, Brian describes Brooke as the "only thing... THE ONLY THING!" In 2017 after Brooke graduated (Brian graduated shortly thereafter), it was time for change: move to Hampden, acquire dog(s), get a job.

Team B&B feel so rich in their life. They have AMAZING families, friends, & would like to give a big shout out to THE GOOD BOY ROCKY SOCKS & CASSIE ANN, the BEST doggos. The couple get tacos at the Golden West window, sing karaoke at Bar Hon, take the dogs on adventures, & support each other through all the seasons of life. On New Year's Eve 2019, after spending the day at the American Visionary Art Museum (Brooke's favorite), Brian proposed to Brooke on the Fell's Point Pier with Chrissy, Ivan, Betty, & Courtney (who stalked and surprised us to witness the proposal!). When Brian asked, "Brooke Marie Danger Boyd, will you marry me?", Brooke was crying so hard that all she could eventually muster out was "OF COURSE!". They are thrilled to share this lifetime together and to have the gift of each other. In Brooke's words..."Eeeek!"

During the pandemic summer of 2020, Brooke's Gram's health started slipping. Those many precious nights spent at Gram's house that summer was filled with Uno games, listening to music, and sharing stories. Brooke and Brian send love to all of their family and community who helped ease the stress of caring for Gram, especially to the top tier nieces and nephew of *Team Pat* (Monica, Pat, and Chrissy). Knowing Gram would likely not attend their planned July 2021 wedding, Brooke and Brian made a spontaneous decision to elope at Gram's house so she could witness their union. As quickly as they made their decision, Brooke's mom, Bridget, became ordained online to marry them and Brooke's bridesmaid, Courtney, began styling a bouquet and headpiece for Brooke. When feeling overwhelmed after making the decision, Brooke called her friend Brea (a professional wedding photographer) to ask if it was a crazy idea, to which Brea replied that it was not crazy, and "When and where?" Brooke and Brian shared their vows while Bridget kept the script Lord of the Rings themed for us (yes, she obviously did a hobbit impression at one point) with Gram, and a few other family members in-person, and on Zoom, witnessing their union. Brooke and Brian are deeply grateful to have shared that intimate moment with one of the most formative people in Brooke's life while they could. We love and miss you every day, Gram.