Sometimes the best things really do start with a simple introduction. We were set up by a family friend, Soulla—who gave Jeremy Irene’s number. Shockingly (and thankfully), he actually texted. Before the first date, Irene did what any reasonable person would do: a little investigative research on the Emma’s Deli website to find a photo of him. Jeremy, on the other hand, had already seen hers. Right before meeting, Irene worked up the courage to ask for a picture—fair is fair. From the very beginning, there was something easy about us. Irene was pleasantly surprised by how calm, confident, and genuinely kind Jeremy was. He instantly put her at ease, even though she was very nervous. Jeremy remembers the nerves too—standing in the doorway of Time Out Market in Dumbo, spotting Irene waiting for him, thinking how beautiful she looked with her curly hair and perfectly fitting jeans. It felt like a good start. Our first date almost never ended. We met on a busy Saturday afternoon in Dumbo—an unprovoked choice by Jeremy that felt like a sign since it’s always been one of Irene’s favorite places. Even though Irene was (only slightly… or maybe very) late, the moment we met, everything felt natural. One drink turned into dinner at Cecconi’s, a walk through Brooklyn, a ride home that neither of us wanted to end, and a stop at Irene’s local dive bar. Eight hours later, we still weren’t ready to say goodbye. The night ended with a perfect kiss. Early on, we realized how different this felt. There was no drama, no games—just ease, communication, and comfort. To this day, we haven’t had a real fight, only small disagreements we actually talk through. We simply agree on life, on values, and on each other. Of course, there were moments. Like our second date—when Jeremy complained about Irene’s favorite cookies (a near dealbreaker). Thankfully, date three redeemed everything. Another defining moment came when Jeremy met Irene’s family at a private dinner in NYC. Walking into that room, he knew—this is where I belong. Falling in love didn’t happen all at once. It happened in a thousand little moments. In random flowers. In thoughtful gestures. In being able to be completely ourselves. In the way Jeremy listens, supports, and shows up. In the way Irene plans everything while Jeremy keeps things calm—and chooses most of the dinners because decision-making is not her strong suit. Friends and family always say how similar we are, how quiet we are together, and how happy we look. Most importantly, we feel like home to each other. Jeremy proposed during an upstate weekend getaway—after holding onto the ring for over a month. Irene suspected something might happen, but between rain, cold weather, muddy hikes, missed fire pit moments, and constant interruptions, the plan kept changing. Eventually, as Irene was getting ready for dinner, she noticed Jeremy pacing behind her… and then spotted the ring box. Before she could even process it, he was on one knee, professing his love. Her only thought? “OMG. OMG.” Now, we’re so excited to build our life together—one filled with love, laughter, family, children, and endless shared experiences. We promise to always support each other, to work hard for the life we dream of, and—according to Jeremy—to always be a little bit of a pain in the ass (in the best way). Forever, to us, means choosing each other every day. And we can’t wait to celebrate that with all of you.