Like many modern couples, we met online! Right from when we first started talking to one another, it was apparent that this was different. We clicked immediately and found we had more in common than we expected to find. Through the laughter and adventures, we found that we were a perfect match.

Anyone who knows either of us will say that we are both very competitive. On the most fitting first date, we played a round of miniature golf. Mini golf has continued to be one of our favorite date night activities and will likely continue to be something that Chris wins at every time (Lucia lets him win, obviously). We finished off the date by taking a walk through the outlet mall and getting to know one another. It could not have been more perfect for two chatterboxes with first-date jitters.

It was an ungodly hot Saturday afternoon on June 5, 2021. Lucia and I had been planning a surprise 80th birthday party for my great uncle for that day, but what Lucia did not know was that she was also planning her surprise engagement proposal. We both knew that my great uncle is an emotional guy, and would talk about how surprised he was going to be. But Lucia is also an emotional person, so when I told her multiple times that I promised she was going to cry, she did not think anything of it. She had no idea it was coming, as I had spent the previous week or so really throwing her off that an engagement would not be happening any time soon, because "our life was perfect as it was, and I did not need a piece of paper to tell me I loved her (thanks Jeff!), and that when things slowed down, we would consider it." In reality, I had already spoken with her parents, and the ring was under her nose the whole time we were planning and setting up the party. After we sang Happy Birthday to Uncle, and had all of the family and friends gathered (her parents and brother very kindly made the trek to Pepperell as well, even before they knew about the proposal), I pointed out to Lucia that she had not cried yet, which she acknowledged. Well, I don't like to be proven wrong, so it was at that time that I reached into my pocket, got down on one knee, and she made me the happiest man on the planet when she said yes! Her parents began popping champagne for everyone, and that is how we ended up here, looking forward to the best day of our lives!