Tyler and Cathy met for the very first time at Joseph Melillo Middle School in East Haven CT, where Tyler secretly served as Cathy’s middle school crush for many years until they parted ways to embark on their own separate journeys in high school. Soon after high school graduation, Tyler and Cathy connected on social media and met for their very first date at the East Haven Fall Festival. As Cathy moved into her freshman year of college, communication never stopped. From Chip’s breakfast dates to secret weekend sleepovers at Tyler’s house, the two were inseparable. On October 6th, 2016, Tyler asked Cathy to be his girlfriend. He planned a surprise proposal in his bedroom complete with flowers, candles, a handwritten note, her favorite iced tea and snacks at the time, and a beautiful cross necklace. Cathy was in complete and utter shock, but it was the quickest ‘Yes’ of her life. Pretty creative for a seventeen-year-old boy. Cathy and Tyler loved each other not only for the beautiful relationship and memories that they had established over time but for the consistent support they provided each other through challenging times as well. They became much more than just romantic partners, but complete and utter best friends. Years later, Cathy and Tyler decided to give the idea of living together a real shot. Tyler moved in with Cathy and her family in their East Haven home, continuing to build and establish their trust in each other's love and judgment. At this point not only did Tyler and Cathy become roommates for the very first time, but it became very evident that he would fit into their crazy family quite perfectly. On September 29, 2021, Cathy and Tyler moved into their very first apartment together and welcomed their fur baby Finn into their lives. What a rollercoaster that was! Cathy and Tyler established many personal traditions and created so many memories that will last a lifetime. On August 5, 2022, they closed on the purchase of their very first home. This was not only a tremendous step in their relationship together, but also a symbolic representation of the lifelong commitment they had made to each other. On October 6, 2023, Cathy and Tyler had scheduled a photo shoot to celebrate the 7-year anniversary of their relationship, but Cathy had a hunch that a proposal may be around the corner. In true Tyler fashion, the proposal had to be a surprise! He woke up at 2:30 AM on the morning of 10/06/2023 to begin preparations for the ultimate surprise. At 3:00 AM he woke Cathy from her sleep, insisting that she come see something urgent in the living room. With no question, Cathy jumped out of bed only to discover the living room lit by marquee letters spelling “MARRY ME”, a beautiful flower bouquet, candles, a handwritten note, the same iced tea and snacks Tyler used to buy her when they were just kids, and the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Despite being in complete shock, Cathy said “Yes!” to marrying Tyler and to continuing to progress forward in their journey through life together. Thus, the wedding festivities began!