We originally met and started chatting online. After a couple of weeks, we had our first date at Panther Coffee in Wynwood, Miami, FL. It was shortly after some businesses started to reopen following the pandemic lockdown. Jay got us some cold brew coffees, and we sat outside and talked for a few hours. We discovered that we both had worked for the Institute of Contemporary Art (at different times), had some mutual friends, and had quite a bit in common. We felt like we had a pretty special connection right off the bat!

"Originally, I had been planning on proposing to Kat on our 1 year anniversary of being a couple in October. For our anniversary, I booked a surprise airplane tour of Miami Beach at sunset. I decided to wait as I had not yet asked her parents for their blessing. So a few weeks later, I arranged a meeting with her family at Outback Steakhouse without her knowledge and asked for their blessing. After only a moderate amount of grilling they agreed and welcomed me into the family. So I invited Kat on a boat tour of celebrity homes out of Bayside in Miami." "Jay asked me a few days prior if I'd like to go on a sunset boat ride at Bayside on the weekend. I wondered what the occasion was, but knowing Jay and his love for boats and being out on the water, I didn't question it. When the day arrived, traffic was heavy in the area and we arrived to the marina 5 minutes late. We asked if the boat was still there but unfortunately it had already left. Luckily enough, they allowed us to go on the next boat out. It was a night time party boat. We decided to sit on the second level all the way in the back to get a good view of the sights and some privacy. Around the end of the trip, after taking in some beautiful views of Miami, the boat was heading back to the marina. At this point Jay decided to get up and face me and started to get down on one knee. I asked him what he was doing. Jay then asked me if I would marry him and I of course said yes! I was floored. We hugged and cried happy tears the whole way back. We contacted our families to let them know as soon as we got off the boat. To my surprise, everyone already knew! Afterwards, we had an incredible dinner at a Peruvian restaurant called CVI.CHE 105 in downtown. Our wedding date is exactly one year after this magical night!"