9.21.24

In February 2023, Leah was working in Phoenix, AZ for two weeks to prep for Super Bowl LVII. One night after a long day of work, Leah and her co-workers decided to head to ChamPang Lanes for some bowling. That same night, Pete and his friends, who were enjoying a night out in Phoenix, needed a change of location and also decided to check out ChampPang Lanes. At some point in the night, Pete spotted Leah from across the room and decided to approach her to say hello. They continued chatting the rest of the night. As it got later, Leah’s friends convinced her it was time to leave; against her wishes, she sadly told Pete she had to go. Before she did, he asked for her number so they could see each other again while she was in town. A few nights later, Pete reached out to Leah asking to get together. They were able to see each other two more times before Leah flew back to New York. Pete began FaceTiming Leah every night to keep the connection going. Coincidentally, Leah had another two-week work trip to Phoenix a month later. During that trip, they spent time together every day after work and got to know each other better while enjoying wine bars, comedy shows, dinners, and Cubs spring training. Pete even started hanging out with Leah's work colleagues. At this point, their feelings for each other were evident, and at the end of the two weeks, they knew they wanted to make an effort to be together long term. After 14 months of countless FaceTime hours and traveling back and forth between Phoenix, New York, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and many cities in between, Pete decided it was time to propose. A week before Leah flew out for a visit in April 2024, Pete scouted out the restaurant where he planned to ask her - Quiessence at The Farm. He met with the hostess, hand selected the outdoor table for them to enjoy their dinner, and walked the property to find the perfect place to ask. A week later, after a delicious dinner at Quiessence, Pete walked Leah through the Pecan grove on the property. When they got to the last tree, he got down on one knee and asked Leah to marry him. They celebrated by going back to the place where they met - ChamPang Lanes - for a champagne toast. After spending their entire relationship living across the country from each other, they knew they wanted to be together as soon as possible. Within a few weeks of the proposal, they selected a venue and a date was set, beginning preparations to be married only 5 months later. They couldn’t be more excited to be together shortly and celebrate with their loved ones in September!