We met during the pandemic. We were joining various international Zoom groups to make our service time. We ended up joining the same one and crossing paths. At the time, we both thought nothing of it. Our conversation was minimal because Anthony was placed in a separate breakout room from me. Everything changed on May 1st, 2021. Our mutual friend organized a gathering. This was the first time we encountered one another in person. When we started talking, it felt like we had known one another forever. We were able to understand each other and bond over similar life experiences. After that, we spent nearly every weekend together during the summertime. We became best friends. Eventually, the world began emerging from lockdown. Life for both of us became busy. Anthony's mom was fighting cancer and our contact was limited to protect her health. For a few months, we lost touch. I reached out again to offer support. When we reconnected, we did not miss a beat. Through the hard times, we always supported one another. We always made each other laugh, no matter the circumstances. As time passed and we spent more time with one another, we knew our connection was special and wanted it to last forever. The rest was history!

I knew this day was fast approaching. My loved ones were acting strange. My best friend told me to have my nails done and dress nice in case "anything happened". Following the proposal, Anthony planned a date night in the city every weekend for a month. This day in particular- there was a severe weather alert. We were supposed to go mini golfing and eat at a rooftop restaurant in the city. When I heard about the snowstorm, I suggested rescheduling. Anthony insisted he did not mind driving in the snow. He told me he wanted to take me to this park before the restaurant. I found it suspicious we kept circling for parking and passing available spaces. Little did I know, our friends needed extra time to set up and assigned Anthony to stall. As he guided me through the park, I spotted a "Will you marry me?" sign in the distance. He did not react to the sign and I feared it was for another couple. That's when I saw the photographer's camera pointed towards us and knew the day had come! Anthony set up a red carpet, rose petals, and pictures of us on a grand staircase by the water. Our proposal surpassed anything I could have dreamed of. We stood at the top and he popped the question. Of course, I said yes!