07.21.2018 Mary was in Canton with friends demonstrating how to use bumble, an online dating app, when Tony’s profile came up. “See, he’s cute, actually took the time to fill out the profile, swipe right! Ah it’s a match!” - me to my friends We chatted for a few weeks and then went on our first date - a hike at Cascade Valley Metropark in Akron followed by dinner. We also had our first phone conversation that day! I had to call Tony to tell him I was running late. He played it cool saying, he hadn’t left yet either, when in actuality, he was already at the park.

Tony planned our second date - an art walk in Kent. We walked through all the galleries, including one where we created our own pieces by choosing sounds that correlated to different words or images. We talked about Harry Potter (Tony was obviously a Ravenclaw), college, careers, and volleyball. We talked as walked, as we took in the art, and as we ate dinner. We kept the pieces we made that day.

I won’t take you through all of our dates, travels, adventures, but I remember them all. I love to play the game, “remember when,” with Tony. Maybe it seems too early to reminisce, we’re just getting started, but I’m so grateful. I love reminding us of the fun, silly, lovely, and, yes, even the less-lovely moments we’ve had together so far. Like the time I ran out of gas on the highway and he rescued me.. or the 7 times in a row he beat me at Scrabble (we're taking a break from the game for now).. the times we went hiking, kayaking, and whistle pig spotting together.. the March afternoon he convinced me we had to go to a chair store in Akron and instead he pulled in at Cascade Valley Metropark and proposed. We’re so excited to get married and cannot wait to celebrate and make more fun, magical, special memories with all of you!