Rachael and Andrew's story began similarly to many others these days, but with a twist. Girl downloads all free dating apps and goes on awful dates until her mom and sister force her to download eHarmony. Boy signs up on a "free weekend" and matches with Girl on the first day, avoiding potential priceless "awful first date" stories. Figures. The first date was delayed due to a blizzard, and the postponed first date was almost cancelled because Rachael had had enough of online dating and awful first dates - especially in the midst of studying for the Connecticut Bar Exam. But every day, Rachael is grateful for going to Haywire Burger Bar on January 30, 2016 to take a study break and meet Andrew for lunch. Rachael ordered the "Brie Burger" (not knowing Andrew's last name) and didn't get to take a bite until it was cold because Andrew was asking thoughtful questions... probably so he could eat his burger while it was still hot! Ha! Rachael requested a hug at the end of the date, and the rest is history! The relationship wasn't considered "official" until March 18, 2016 when Andrew asked Rachael if he could call her his "girlfriend" and caused Rachael's heart to melt. From that moment on, they've enjoyed acting like senior citizens together - hiking hills and mountains, avoiding restaurants and choosing to cook for each other, watching historical documentaries, doing puzzles, going to open houses and planning their dream home, hanging out with family (immediate and extended), camping and stargazing, and traveling to the UK in March 2018 so they could tour museums and the ruins of Scottish castles. Every day and experience has brought them closer together, and deepened their love for each other.

On October 6, 2018, Andrew asked Rachael to skip her cherished Saturday morning spin class to hike at Selden Creek Preserve in Lyme, Connecticut. This Preserve doesn't see much traffic, so it was a quiet private hike. At the rock overlook at the end of the White Trail, while looking out over the marsh, Andrew got down on one knee and asked Rachael to marry him. Even between hysterical sobs/laughs, Rachael heard every word, and Andrew swears Rachael's crying face was "cute". In a complete surprise to Rachael, their parents had gathered to congratulate them back in Old Lyme. As much as this wedding is a celebration of Rachael and Andrew's love for each other, it is also a celebration of the joining of the families which are so important to them. Rachael and Andrew cannot wait to celebrate their union and to begin this new chapter of their life together.