We met teaching Freshman Architecture Studio at UB. We sat across from each other for a whole semester and never really talked (besides the occasional “how are you grading them on this” banter). Until one day, we were invited to the same house party (thanks Jon!). We started talking because we were the only people camped out in the corner of the kitchen eating all the chicken wing dip. We really hit it off when the Keg ran out and Elias pulled out a bottle of Disaronno from his secret stash. After that, we decided to be beer pong partners and were on our way to becoming champs when someone leaned against the table and broke it (sore losers). After the party, we headed to the bar with a few friends and got to know each other. We started texting after that and haven't stopped.

In case you didn’t know this about us already, we’re huge nerds. So naturally, when Elias invited Kim to see his full scale studio project; a thin shelled cave structure made out of cardboard pulp, Kim was sold. Elias had come up with the genius idea to set up a projector and watch movies in the glorious paper cave. He packed a couple cold ones and Kim brought the snacks for the start of what would be a long series of many memorable dates. We sat and talked about our lives, hopes, and dreams and shared many belly aching laughs. It was an unforgettable night where we shared stories and our first kiss.

With a nose that can sniff the finest scents, the temperament of princess, and the soft fur that resembled a cloud (and Elias’ allergy to dander) - we had no other choice than to embark on a mission to pick up Vanya from upstate New York. We had been wanting a little pup for a long time and had looked for the perfect one that would be very happy sharing their lives with us. Mike and Mimi (Kim’s brother and sister) drove us to the cute little farm with baby pigs and the sweetest little fur ball we had ever seen. From the first moment we laid eyes on her, we were all in love.

Every year or so, we like to take a small trip together and this year Elias had decided to plan the whole trip and told Kim to be ready for anything; from tent camping to spa weekend. We were about 3 hours into Pennsylvania, on some remote back dirt roads, completely unsure of where we were going (or at least one of us was ). We somehow ended up in front of this beautiful stone chateau Inn that sits atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland Pennsylvania. Excitedly, we checked-in, got dressed up, and headed to this elegant but moody dining room with French interior decor. We sat next to the warm fireplace, whilst the waiter brought us some of the most delicious food, and the piano player played the best of the Beatles. We laughed and shared a few French 75s. The piano player started playing “Baby, I love your way”, which just happened to be our song when Elias got down on one knee and popped the question. It was the easiest yes <3