We were both living outside of DC for work when we connected with a swipe, as many modern love stories begin. Edward was clever...Jessica was funny...and our text banter quickly turned into dinner. We laughed the entire night and decided to go out again, and again, and again, exploring DC and Northern Virginia’s food scene, museums and hikes until the pandemic forced our dates indoors five months later. Quarantining together in a 495-square-foot studio apartment may sound like a trial by fire, and at times it was, but it became the foundation of our partnership. We spent our days on long walks, bike rides (Edward’s idea...Jessica's, not so much), hot chicken picnics, and creative date nights. Edward endured Jessica’s trash TV, and Jessica discovered a love for hiking and Korean food. Birthdays, holidays, and even ordinary Tuesdays were spent side by side, solidifying our relationship and teaching us how to make the best out of the worst. “Our COVID bubble” will always remind us to slow down and appreciate what matters most. When Jessica’s job relocated to Tennessee, we faced a tough choice: attempt long distance or have Edward take a leap of faith. Edward chose us. We packed up our separate apartments and our lives and moved into our first official home together. Edward embraced the people, places, and rhythm of Middle Tennessee, meeting family and friends while exploring the state’s coziest coffee shops, eclectic thrift stores, and hidden gems. Now, five years later, we’ve landed in a downtown Nashville apartment within walking distance of Edward’s office, ready for the next chapter. Travel and adventure have always been central to us. Edward, the more seasoned traveler, has planned our more epic adventures across Iceland, while together we’ve traveled Mexico, Canada, and countless cities in between. We chase great food, new experiences, and memories made together. Wherever we go, it’s always better as a team. Jessica suspected Edward was going to propose on our sixth-anniversary trip to Boston, but with the help of friends, he surprised her during a picnic at the stunning Cheekwood Botanical Gardens here in Nashville, one week before the trip. We got to explore Boston as newly engaged fiancés, still laughing and planning all the adventures ahead. Now, we’re ready for our greatest adventure yet: marriage. Surrounded by the people who know us best, who have shared our laughs, supported us through challenges, and welcomed us into your lives, we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for joining us to celebrate our love, our life together, and all the adventures, big and small, that lie ahead. We can’t wait to make more memories with each of you by our side.