Our story begins down the Jersey Shore—because of course it does. It was the summer of 2020, and like many great (and slightly chaotic) love stories, it all started with a shared beach house. Kristen and her friends had rented the basement of a house in Manasquan, New Jersey, and upstairs? That was me and thirteen other guys. Yes, thirteen. Between beach days, backyard hangouts, and late-night kitchen run-ins, we kept finding excuses to talk (and not just about who used up all the ice or left the door open). Whether it was on the porch with drinks in hand or catching sunset views after long beach days, something about that summer felt different. By the end of the season, it was clear this wasn’t just a summer fling. The share house ended, but our story was just beginning. And now, here we are—getting married and still grateful for that slightly questionable rental agreement that brought us together.