I first met Tommy on November 2, 2019 at California Taproom in North Park, San Diego. The only reason I remember the specifics of that day is because I have a photo with my girlfriends there (Julie & Amanda - 2 of my bridesmaids!), not because this was love at first sight... no offense, Tommy. Tommy had just moved to San Diego with his friends Ferg and Connor. They all met up with us that night because I had met Connor a few weeks prior. The 3 boys seemed to have very similar interests to my friends in that we were all from the east coast, we loved the outdoors, and we were excited about all the adventures the west coast had to offer, like camping, backpacking, skiing, and surfing. The day after we met at the bar, my friends + the boys went on a camping trip together to the Anza Borrego Desert. That's when our friend groups officially merged. Not only did we all love the outdoor activities mentioned above, we all had a similar sense of humor, an 'east coast' bond, and we loved to party (sorry mom). After that camping trip, our California Dreams started to bloom. We made those 'big trips' happen, from backpacking in Catalina, multiple ski trips to Mammoth, camping in the desert, and beautiful yet grueling hikes in Yosemite and Idyllwild. With Covid on the rise, our bond as a friend group grew even tighter. Our "covid pod" enjoyed many nights surfing until sunset, post-surf bonfires on the beach, pizza nights at the boys' house, and some unforgettable themed parties at my house (aka the Girls' House, aka Kappa Kappa Kate). I was having the time of my life with my friends out in San Diego, but Tommy was still just "one of the boys" to me. It wasn't until a ski trip to Utah over New Years 2021 that everything changed. The trip ended up being just myself, Tommy, Ferg, and some of Tommy's hometown friends from Vermont who I'd never met. This was the first time I was separated from our larger friend group and I really got to know Tommy. I learned more about where he was from, his experiences in high school, and I saw what a kindhearted and genuine soul he was. When I got home from that ski trip, I realized I had a little crush on Tommy! It was difficult to process because we had been friends for so long, so I slowly confided this newfound crush to some of my friends. We were all blindsided, and I was terrified that this 'crush' would ruin our friendship - and worse- it could disrupt our entire friend group that meant so much to me. It turns out Tommy had the same feelings for me, because he asked me out shortly after that Utah trip. However, I said no because I was so terrified! Of course, we had all planned a ski trip to Mammoth that upcoming weekend, so I braced myself for the awkwardness. Instead of being upset or silent towards me, Tommy showed his true character when we were on a chairlift together; he brought up the fact that he asked me out, that I said no, and that he understands and hopes we can still be friends. He even asked if I wanted to talk more about it. Tommy's vulnerability gave me the courage to be truthful about my feelings, and I changed my answer right then and there. Tommy and I had our first date at Cass Street Bar & Grill in Pacific Beach. Our first trip together was to Cascades National Park, and we eventually moved in together and named our dog - Cassie - after both of those milestones. Words truly cannot describe the way Tommy has made me grow as a person, just by being next to me over these past 4 years. His strength, humble courage, and genuine kindness have made me feel comfortable expressing myself in any given situation. I know I will never be judged or dismissed when I am with him, which allows me to be my purest self in good times and bad. He has pushed me to be my best without saying a word, whether it's physically on the slopes, or emotionally in those tough times when I can't find the words to say. I love Tommy with all my heart and I couldn't be happier we gave this a chance.