We're getting married!

Their story began in the most romantic place imaginable: pre-calculus class. Junior year of high school, their teacher arranged seats based on test scores-the lowest in the front, the highest in the back. By fate (and studying), Ivy always sat right behind Boris. Every day, without fail, Boris would turn around to crack a joke, ask a question, or just make Ivy laugh. Somewhere between equations and laughter, Ivy developed a tiny crush. Boris, being a boy, was completely oblivious-or so it seemed. After all, he never seemed to miss an excuse to turn around and talk to her. One day, while they were chatting, Ivy realized her cheeks were burning. She worried her secret was about to be discovered when Boris asked, “Why are your cheeks red?” Panicking, she blurted out, “Because it’s hot in here!” Ever the gentleman, Boris immediately raised his hand and asked the teacher to open the window. They stayed friends after high school, keeping in touch as life took them in different directions. Boris began making trips out to Stony Brook to visit Ivy, and their easy conversations never faded. Then, in 2017, during a visit to celebrate Ivy’s birthday, Boris finally asked her to be his girlfriend. Fast forward eight years. Boris planned the ultimate surprise: a privately chartered boat with a beautifully decorated cabin, flowers everywhere, and a sign that read “Will you marry me?” Out on the water, he got down on one knee-and this time, Ivy didn’t blush and change the subject. She said yes! They returned to shore to celebrate with family and friends, ready for the next chapter of their story. All it took was a little time, a few LIRR rides, and one very warm classroom for the math to finally add up.