Alex's go-to response is "we met at Camp Sewataro" (Alex and Emma went to the same small town summer camp when they were younger, but neither actually remember meeting) & Emma's go-to is "we met on our college orientation trip" - this is how the story goes... Alex and Emma met on a rainy Maine afternoon during their Bates freshman orientation trip (AESOP). Alex saw Emma from across the campsite, and being the outgoing guy he is, walked over and struck up conversation. They talked until the rain stopped then went on with their respective trips, only to find each other shortly after returning to campus. In the sea of newness, Alex's friendly, familiar personality gave Emma exactly what she needed to make Bates her new home away from home. Their friendship continued to grow throughout freshman year, and on the last day before summer break, Alex and Emma made their relationship ~official~... and the rest is history. From Bates and Scotland, to Boston, then Philly and Washington D.C., with all the wild adventures and travel in between - we could have never expected life to take us to where we are, but we are eternally grateful it did. Cheers our future life together!

In classic 2020 quarantine style, on the evening of May 23rd 2020 (just one day after their 6 year anniversary), Alex asked Emma if she wanted to go on her 4th (!!!) walk of the day. They casually strolled down the Esplanade along the Charles River in Boston, but Emma could tell something was up and that Alex was uncharacteristically nervous. They arrived at a small foot bridge and stopped. It all happened in a blur, Bean stood and watched patiently, Alex got down on one knee, opened the ring box sideways, and the next thing they knew they were hugging & celebrating with photographers hidden away and capturing the magical moment. Alex and Emma made their way back to the Jarczyk's Boston apartment and another surprise greeted them at the door, Emma's parents! It was the most blissful evening spent celebrating, eating a delicious dinner and drinking decadent wine, and of course FaceTiming family and friends to share the happy news.

Alex is currently in medical school in Philadelphia and Emma is currently in Physician Assistant (PA) school in Washington D.C. Both Alex and Emma will graduate in May of 2023, at which point Alex will have been matched to his residency program (so, where he goes, we all go!). But after those 4 plus years of school, 4ish years of residency, and doing their fair share of long distance along the way, the couple hopes to settle down in or around the Boston/New England area.