We're Getting Married!

Beth Tfiloh Synagogue 3300 Old Court Rd, Pikesville, MD 21208

Helyn and Jacob's love story began simply enough, with a dating app. In late January 2022, they went on their first date to the National Portrait Gallery. Helyn wore sparkly Ugg boots and Jacob is a lifelong fan of sparkles. When Jacob started talking about how a piece of art reminded him of a webcomic he really liked, Helyn already knew which one he was talking about before he finished the sentence. (It was Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe, if you're curious). On their second date at Busboys and Poets, Helyn got really excited when she saw a Baby Yeti board book (it was cute, fuzzy, and sparkly). While she was distracted looking at other things in the shop, Jacob bought the board book for her. This both pleased and confused Helyn. Admittedly, it took several months of dating before Helyn stopped suspecting Jacob of being some sort of secret agent sent by her therapist or family. It just seemed highly improbable that a partner could be SO amazing and supportive, y'know? Nevertheless, Helyn wrote so much poetry in their first year together that she gave Jacob an entire book of poems for their first anniversary. For a full two and a half years, the couple weathered a long distance relationship. She lived on the Maryland side of Washington D.C. and he on the Virginia side. They bravely persevered. In August of 2024, Helyn and Jacob mutually proposed to each other during a picnic on the Alexandria waterfront. Helyn gave Jacob a watch and he gave her a ring. They each made custom boxes for the gifts, because they are nothing if not crafty. While marriage is a legally and historically dubious institution, Helyn and Jacob are excited to pragmatically surrender to the societal benefits it provides. More importantly, they are thrilled to celebrate their life partnership and commitment with all of the people they love most.