As with most 21st century couples, Kelsey and I first began talking on a dating app. She must have been charmed by either my wit or my great fashion sense, because after a brief conversation we agreed to plan a date. I lived in the Lower East Side and Kelsey lived in FiDi, so naturally we went to a bar in the Lower East Side for our first date. The bartenders at Grey Lady didn't know at the time, but they would be stuck serving us drinks for hours as we got to know one another. And talk we did. What we spoke about is ancient history at this point, but it must have sparked something within both of us. Fast forward five years, two moves, and two perfect pandemic kittens, we are even more in love and planning the wedding of our dreams!

The journey began in Charleston, South Carolina- a city known for shrimp & grits, hush puppies, and let's not forget about those fried green tomatoes. While there, we sampled some of the city's best "spots," and have been thinking about the hearth baked skillet cornbread at Husk ever since. But, this is not just about food, it is also about love. Prior to our trip to Charleston, Kelsey and I had been discussing the next steps in our relationship, and getting engaged. It just so happened that one of Kelsey's favorite jewelers was located in Charleston, so we made a trip of it. On our last day in Charleston we stopped by and ended up designing the engagement ring. After returning home I waited impatiently for eight weeks, while the ring was forged in the fires of Mount Doom, and delivered to our apartment. As luck would have it, I was not home when the ring got delivered. Kelsey had to use all of her will power to put the box on my bedside table without taking a peek. Over the following weeks I began to think through the proposal and plan a surprise. Thankfully I did not have to plan alone. Shannon AKA the Maid of Honor, helped me with the finishing touches. We told Kelsey brunch reservations had been made at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. While I brought Kelsey into the park, Shannon and the photographer were waiting near the proposal location. May 21, 2022 felt like a record for heat and humidity in New York City, but that did not stop the proposal from going forward without a hitch. Shannon tricked Kelsey into thinking that her bag had broken, and convinced Kelsey to come to the agreed upon location. I finally took out that ring all the way from Mordor, and asked Kelsey to marry me. Thankfully she said yes, and all of you reading this will now have to spend a weekend in Manhattan celebrating that decision!