Jon and Liz first became friends during their freshman year of college, when Jon asked Liz to join a pick-up basketball game at the UML rec center. They hit it off immediately, though neither realized how much that moment would change their lives. Not long after, they discovered they were living in the same dorm. Their friendship continued to grow—even as Jon later transferred to UMass—and they stayed close throughout college, spending much of their summers together. It wasn’t until a few years after graduating that Jon and Liz took their friendship to the next level. Jon picked Liz up on his motorcycle for their first official date, and on May 15, 2020, in Newport, ME, he asked to be her boyfriend. From that day on, they’ve been squeezing all of life’s lemons together. Individually, they’ve each accomplished so much—competing in sports, earning engineering degrees, traveling the world—but together, the possibilities have always felt endless. As a couple, they have conquered challenges physically, mentally, and emotionally. They’ve traveled with nothing but plane tickets, a tent, and a motorcycle rental and still ended up in some of the most beautiful places. Adventure is at the heart of their relationship, but so is their shared dedication to their engineering careers. Jon and Liz supported each other while earning their Professional Engineering licenses, and soon after they both became PEs, they quit their jobs and set off for a 6-month journey, eventually becoming Appalachian Trail thru-hikers in September 2022. Spending every day together for half a year—through rugged terrain, harsh weather, and breathtaking beauty—only strengthened their bond and confirmed that together, they can do anything. Since returning, Jon and Liz have settled into a more grounded life—working as professional engineers, building a home, and bringing their families together. On their five-year anniversary, Jon proposed to Liz at the same cabin where their relationship began in Newport, ME. They knew their wedding had to take place somewhere equally meaningful. The NEOC, located on Millinocket Lake with stunning views of Mount Katahdin, felt perfect. Celebrating here with their closest friends and family is truly a dream come true. Their life together is like a long trail… • full of highs and lows—easier when tackled as a team • with rainy, challenging days that make the sunny ones shine even brighter • where balance isn’t always 50/50, but lifting each other up is what matters most • enriched by friendship and community • and rooted in the belief that home is anywhere, as long as they have one another And their greatest adventure will begin on August 28, 2026.