Jessica didn't think anything of it when she put an ad on Craigslists for a new roommate. She had no clue she would soon sign a lease with the person who would introduce her to the love of her life. Ariel Morgan, a long time family friend of Eli's, was living with Jessica for a short time when the two were walking down 1st Street in Hoboken and Ariel screamed "ELI!!!!" at the top of her lungs! Unsuspectingly, Eli looked up from his pizza after a long night out to greet Ariel and Jessica, not knowing Jessica would be the one he would spend his forever with. Eli still never forgets the message Ariel sent him shortly after meeting: "You should grab drinks with my roommate: 25, Architect, great catch." Boy was she right, it has been love and adventure ever since!

On a windy March 23, Eli and Jess set out on their first hike of the "warmer" weather. Eli was so excited; all he could think about was if the ring was still in his pocket and how to create the perfect moment to propose! Eli planned everything out, including borrowing their friends Adam and Alison’s car "who were in Vail skiing with family.” Now, if you know anything about this couple, you know Eli has a plan and Jess has questions! So naturally when they got in the car and Jess saw skis in the back she asked, "If they went to Vail, why are their skis in the car?!” Fortunately, Eli thought on his toes and gave a satisfying answer. On the rest of the ride up, Eli and Jess ate bagels from their favorite spot, drank coffee, and sang terribly to their favorite songs. Eli was taking her to Breakneck Ridge, the mountain where they spent one of their first dates and the mountain that he first figured out that Jess wasn’t someone who would hold him back but would push him further. After that date, Eli knew that Jess was the one for him. They fought through the chilly wind that carried up the first leg of the mountain Eli asserting, “Let's just make it to the first peak.” When they reached the first overlook, Eli turned to Jess and started talking, bursting with excitement. What exactly did he say? Well, neither of them can recall a single word! Like always, no matter where in the world they happened to be, Eli and Jess were lost in the moment. What is indisputable, however, is that whatever Eli did say, it sure was something special because Jess emphatically said “YES”!!! Grinning ear to ear, the newly engaged couple made their way back down the mountain to grab a beer at their favorite spot in Cold Spring and called a few of their favorite people. Those calls were just the warm-up, as Jess was soon surprised by those same people waiting for the couple at Flat Iron Beer Hall. It was the second stop on their first date and would be the second spot on that engagement day!