Our mutual friend, Peter S., introduced us at a social gathering at the Albatross bar in Astoria, NY. We felt an immediate connection, and that meeting led to our first "date" (though neither of us was sure that's what it was, at the time) just a few weeks later. We got dinner and watched the premiere episode of *DC's Legends of Tomorrow*, a comics-based TV show. We mutually agreed: the show was horrible. But when Josh spilled red wine on Ronin's couch and Ronin took it all in stride, that was a good sign of things to come.

After a year of dating, we joined #CohabitationNation in Ronin's small, one bedroom apartment in Inwood--the first big, successful test of our relationship. From there, we found our first true home together in Brooklyn, right near Prospect Park, where we continue to build our lives together. It's become filled with love, laughter, and friends. Most importantly, perhaps, it's the place from which we send all those pics of our cat and overlord, Clementine, who helped us become more than "just" a couple: we're a family.

After two years of dating, we took our first big trip abroad together to London, England. During a visit to the Sky Garden at the top of 20 Fenchurch St. (a.k.a., the "walkie talkie" building), Josh popped the question to Ronin on a secluded terrace. Josh presented Ronin with a pendant of the symbol of the DC comics character, Green Lantern, to go with the Blue Lantern symbol on Josh's pendant. The story goes that Green Lanterns (representing will power) and Blue Lanterns (representing hope) are more powerful together than apart. That's exactly how we feel about each other, with the whole of our geeky hearts.

More than two years following our engagement, we are so happy to celebrate our life together with all of you! Thank you for helping us grow through it all. You bring us joy and we cannot wait to spiritually (and legally) proclaim our love for each other, with your presence and support. See you in Boulder. <3