Jess and Barrett first met in Spring 2016 at Swarthmore College. In a convenient turn of events, Jess was looking for an exit from her undergrad research lab, while Barrett was looking for a way in. What started as two labmates sharing SEPTA rides into Philly for a research project quickly turned into strolls through town together and coffee dates at the nearby Au Bon Pain. Later that year, Jess was planning her flight to China to visit her family, and decided to invite Barrett along for what was surely just a casual vacation. Her family, understandably, interpreted their daughter's boyfriend flying 6,000 miles to spend three weeks with them in a more serious context! When Spring 2020 arrived, we passed those early months of lockdown from Barrett's family home, helping care for his mother, Jacqueline, in a leafy green valley far into the Philly suburbs. The quiet contemplation and closeness of family in that time helped us realize that we had found in each other the person with whom we wanted to spend our lives. We had a quiet courthouse wedding ceremony on June 17 - masks and all. After 4 years of long distance, we moved into our first home together: an apartment in Attleboro, Massachusetts in May 2022. As time went by, we decided that we wanted to enjoy a more traditional engagement and wedding celebration with our friends and family. First step: Barrett finally proposed on February 16 2024 on a brilliantly sunny and cold beach in Brewster, MA. And next, we are so excited to finally celebrate our love with all of you - on what will hopefully be another beautiful winter's day! We’re so lucky to have such kind and supportive friends and family - those we’ve grown up with, and those we’ve met along the way. See you all soon, and let's party!