10 years later.

(As told by Aaron) We met in the summer of 2011 when we were both working at Banana Republic. It was Jojo’s first day at work and she was assigned as the store’s greeter. I was running late and as usual, rushing into the store trying to make to the clock. Jojo wore a yellow dress and had the sweetest eyes (but we all now know the truth behind those eyes). As I ran into the store, I flashed my signature corny smile, we locked eyes for the first time and the rest was history. I’d like to think it was my smile that caught her eyes but I’m pretty sure it was my height. (A follow-up by Jojo) The rest was not history. Although I don’t remember the yellow dress, I do remember Aaron barreling into the store with a big smile shouting “I know, late!”. I remember thinking about how charming he was and how I hoped to run into him at my next shift. That didn’t happen until a few weeks later and when I finally got to introduce myself, Aaron remarked “Oh, Jojo - your name sounds like my dog”. Nevertheless, I gave him my number and told him to text me. He never did. Not one to back down, I asked for his number the next time we ran into each other and then invited him out on a date to the beach. That summer, the both of us fell in love and here we are, ten years later.

10 years ago, we went on our first official date at a restaurant in the West Village called "One if by Land, Two if by Sea". Unbeknownst to a 19-year-old Aaron, the restaurant was hailed as one NYC's most romantic restaurants effectively setting the bar for all other dates (and beginning a decades-long pattern of comic disappointment 😜). That night, we were the youngest patrons in the restaurant. We still laugh about how ridiculous it was for two broke college students to play "dress-up" in a fancy "grown-up" establishment. These days, our favorite date nights include cooking at home, watching Netflix and cuddling with Franklin. September 5, 2021 marks 10 years, 1 month and 1 day after our first date. It represents the growth of our relationship and the next chapter in our lives. We are so excited to celebrate with you all.