In July 2016, Elias came up to perform with the Grecian Odyssey Dancers at the Erie Greek Festival. Kate was performing with the Erie group and shared a dressing room with Elias' sister, Maria. Kate and Maria became fast friends, and Maria introduced us on the dance floor later that evening. We spent the night talking and dancing as if we had known each other for years. We joined our groups for the customary dinner at Eat n' Park (a now favorite date spot) after the festival was done. Over the next few years we would see each other sporadically, growing more excited to see each other every time. In February 2019, we knew the timing was right and started dating!