Our story began in the heart of the Garden State, New Jersey. In the height of the pandemic, when the world seemed uncertain and everything was changing, fate brought us together. She started working in the lab a few months after I did, both of us processing and testing countless COVID samples day after day. In those early, isolating days, it was easy to feel alone—yet, somehow, amidst all the chaos, we found each other. What started as a few short conversations during breaks grew into something much deeper. We went from simple exchanges to a friend request, to messages that turned into late-night chats, and eventually to video calls that felt like the only bit of normalcy in a world turned upside down. Slowly, but surely, we found a connection neither of us had expected. Then came that magical moment when we finally met outside of work. What had begun as a simple work interaction had evolved into something more, something that would change both of our lives forever. And from that first time we hung out outside the lab, we knew it was only the beginning of something beautiful. A chance encounter in the lab—one that could have easily been just another passing moment—turned into a lifetime of love, laughter, and the promise of forever.

All the signs were there, but she didn’t suspect a thing. I had planned it all out—two cameras set up, capturing pictures from different angles, a third filming video, and a drone soaring high above us for the perfect aerial shot. Every detail was accounted for, but she was blissfully unaware. It all started with one of my spontaneous, adventurous road trips. After finishing a late night shift on the 4th of July, I couldn’t wait to whisk her away. The next morning, on the 5th, we drove five hours to one of our favorite places—upstate New York, near the Finger Lakes—for a few days of hiking, wineries, and peaceful moments together. I didn’t know exactly when or where it would happen amidst all the beauty and excitement of the trip, but I knew it would happen. I just had to find the perfect moment. As we stood by Canandaigua Lake, the idea hit me. Sunset over the water would be the perfect backdrop for this next chapter in our lives. But, of course, things didn’t go as planned. We arrived just a few minutes too late to catch the full sunset, and she was growing impatient, standing there waiting for the perfect moment to take pictures. A few other visitors had started to arrive, and she was getting a little frustrated. We had to move quickly. The sushi platter we’d picked up earlier was calling our names, and the light was fading fast. In that moment, I knew it was now or never. I reached into my bag, pulled out the ring, and dropped to one knee, feeling my heart race with every second. Time seemed to slow as the world around us fell silent. I had so much I wanted to say to her—how she had changed my life, how every moment with her felt like magic—but the words barely made it out. She gasped. And before I could finish, she said, “Yes.” The crowd around us erupted in applause, but in that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. And now, here we are—inviting all of you to join us as we start this beautiful journey together.