We're getting married!

It all began in the spring of 2021, when Jake’s friend and colleague Tom was apartment hunting in Manhattan’s Financial District. Jake was asked to tag along - not only to check out the building, but also to stop by and say hello to friends who lived there. He wasn’t feeling great that day and had zero interest in socializing. In fact, he confidently told Tom there was a “0 percent chance” he’d be meeting anyone. But after a few persistent nudges, Jake agreed to stop by, do a quick lap and call it a day. What he didn’t expect was that the “friends in the building” included Nikki. Nikki, who was mutual friends with Tom, happened to live in the very building he was touring. So after the efficient Manhattan apartment checklist was completed (lights work, toilet flushes, kitchen exists - good enough), Jake found himself knocking on her door for the (hopefully) speedy hello. A beautiful, green-eyed woman in sweats answered. Suddenly Jake felt much better. Introductions were made and conversation was seamless. No awkwardness, maybe a few sarcastic quips, and maybe some eye contact that hung on a few seconds longer than may be socially acceptable. At one point Jake wandered to the bathroom, and on the way noticed a terrarium brightly lit up in one of the bedrooms. Naturally he let himself in to investigate. “That’s Dexter, my chameleon”, announced Nikki from the doorway. It was not your typical Manhattan apartment feature… and just like that Jake was intrigued. One conversation led to another, wine was poured, and soon the group headed to the Seaport for happy hour, where appetizers flowed and more oysters were consumed than any doctor would reasonably recommend. At the end of the night phone numbers were exchanged, and over the following weeks, Jake and Nikki grew close - building a friendship first before realizing it might be something much much more. Five years (and many oysters) later, we can confidently say Jake is very glad he decided to show up that day. While Dexter is no longer with us, his tiny reptilian role as matchmaker will never be forgotten. And from that completely ordinary Wednesday came a love neither of us saw coming - one that led us here, and one we cannot wait to celebrate with all of you.