Cat attended university at SUNY Potsdam in northern NY. Doug grew up in Berlin, NY, 4 hours south of there. Who could have expected that Cat's roommate, Caitlyn, would have also grown up near the Berlin area - or that Cat and Doug would have both ended up in Richmond, VA! Fast friends after attending a meetup group meditation in a stranger's home (and abruptly being kicked out so this stranger could catch a flight, after quickly drinking VERY HOT tea), Cat and Doug enjoyed exploring Richmond parks and breweries with Doug's dog, Splash, on a frequent basis. They were the most respectful and amicable of friends, until they began to realize there was something more to the story. She knew he was the one when he dropped her off at her apartment after a delightful dinner shared as friends. She paused behind the closed door and sighed deeply as she contemplated what had happened that evening with her python, Bronto. She wished he hadn't left. Creeping back toward the window, she saw him coming back to her door as Splash barked wildly from the backseat! Heart racing, she answered the door after the first knock and they just stared at each other in deep, excited fear. He then looked at her and said, "I was going to do something, but I think I'm good." Before he could retreat back to the car, she took the opportunity to finish what he started and they shared their first kiss. Nearly 5 1/2 years later, they are excited to share their lives together, forever.