In 2021, Lily was living with friends, working as a pediatric ER nurse in Louisville. Shane was working his job in finance in Philadelphia and spending summer weekends as a barback at a beach bar in Margate, New Jersey. During COVID, Lily’s mom and her husband Tom (who grew up in Margate) decided to make the small little beach town their home. Lily planned a girl’s trip to the Jersey Shore with friends… a trip she never imagined would change her life. One afternoon, Tom suggested stopping by Maynards Cafe. They all packed up their beach chairs and took a trip to Maynards for a “no shower, happy hour”, unaware that a simple dinner stop would spark something unforgettable. At Maynards, they were greeted by their warm and friendly waitress, Robin. As they chatted, they discovered a fun connection - Robin’s daughter was attending Indiana University near Louisville, and they had several mutual friends. Robin's son, Shane, happened to be working as a barback that night. Convinced the two needed an introduction, she went into the back and told him there was a cute blonde girl at her table. She encouraged him to introduce himself, and Shane found an excuse to walk over to their table. They spent time talking that evening and met up again the next day at the beach. However, when the trip ended, real life and real distance, set in. Lily returned to Louisville, and Shane stayed down the shore. They committed to making long distance work, with countless flights between PHL and SDF, long phone calls, and visits that always felt too short. Shane quickly became the life of the party in Lily’s world—his great sense of humor and effortless way of making her laugh turning even the most stressful days into lighter ones. They joked that their love language was airline miles and airport hugs, but the truth was simpler and sweeter: they would do anything just to be together. After a year of visits and building their relationship across state lines, Lily moved to Philadelphia and started a new job at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Over fancy meals that turned into traditions, workouts that became part of their rhythm, and endless days by the ocean, Lily and Shane grew a relationship rooted in laughter, encouragement, and showing up for each other. She has met him at the finish line of many races—and they have run many together too. He was always front row when she taught spin classes and was there to carry her up four flights of stairs in their rowhome after her knee surgery. And she is just as devoted, traveling with him, holding signs, and cheering him on as he swims, bikes, and runs his way through every challenge he takes on. Almost five years later, and it all comes back to the Jersey Shore — Shane proposed to Lily on the same beach where they had spent their first day together. Grateful for the chain of unexpected events that brought them together — a summer trip, a thoughtful mom playing matchmaker, and a simple hello at Maynard’s Cafe — they are thrilled to be getting married on November 7th, surrounded by family and friends, ready to start this next chapter together.