Our story could have started a million different ways. We almost went to the same college (Brandeis was Maia’s top choice), we could’ve been set up by one of our many mutual friends, or we could’ve met at the Italian themed Shabbos dinner at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia in 2023, which we both attended, but never crossed paths. Instead, our story didn’t start until the end of 2024 when we matched on Hinge (fun fact, Maia was David’s first dating app date, something which Maia isn’t salty about at all). David finally asked Maia out at the beginning of 2025, and we met up at Izzie’s Smokehouse on the Upper West Side in NYC not long after that. After an amazing first date (and arguably better burnt ends- just kidding), it wasn’t a question of “if” but “when” we were going to see each other next. Over the next number of dates, it became clear that our relationship was one of “whens” not “ifs”. The dates themselves became longer, often stretching into the early hours of the morning, the time between the dates became shorter, and neither of us ever wanted them to end. And the good news is they never did! Despite the distance between NY and Philly, we saw each other twice a week (or more) for almost the entire time we were dating (a special shoutout to Amtrak and Toyota for helping make that happen). We’ve made some unforgettable memories along the way, from seeing Alex Warren’s popup concert the night after he won his VMA, to bottle feeding baby cows, frolicking in flower fields, antiquing in Amish country, falling in a river while kayaking, getting upgraded to almost front row seats at the Beyonce concert, and eating cake by a waterfall, among many, many others. Those “whens” not “ifs” came to fruition when we agreed to embark on our wildest adventure yet when David proposed to Maia in a field of flowers at Van Cortlandt Park in NYC on November 23rd of this past year. Which leads us to our wedding day, August 16th, 2026 (which is also David’s parents’ 39th wedding anniversary so please wish them a happy anniversary as well!). We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you then, because our story would not be complete without our family and friends. You have been integral parts of our story, and we can’t wait to continue making new memories with you all as we begin this new and exciting chapter of our lives together. All our love, Maia and David