we're getting married!

Like good millennials, Masin and Steve met on a dating app. Although she was skeptical of his age, Masin was pretty quickly won over by his enduring charm and claims of knowing D.C.'s best taco spot. It didn't take long before agreeing to a first date—a home-cooked meal at Steve's apartment—but not without some precautionary measures first. Masin made sure to share her location with multiple friends and clarify that she may be walking into the home of an axe murderer. In classic fashion, Steve planned for the meal to be ready precisely at 7:00 pm, when Masin was set to arrive. And in even more classic fashion, Masin showed up at least 15 minutes late. Despite this pushing one of Steve's biggest pet peeve buttons (and Masin being blissfully unaware), they hit it off immediately. And a good dinner seamlessly melded into a great conversation. They talked about family. They talked about travel. They talked about work. And they talked about what motivates someone to venture across the country to see their favorite band several dozen times. But there was a clear, ethereal connection, and the two left the date both surprised by the way they felt and eager to see each other again.

If the first date was red wine, the second date was Budweiser. Steve knew he was dealing with a fun girl, so he did what any guy would do: invite her on a date to Hooters and Monster Jam. Much to his surprise, she agreed enthusiastically. And a night consisting of light beer, onion rings, massive trucks, and mullets made for a fun second date. But the eventful dates didn't end there. There were Capitals games, concerts, cherry blossoms, gay clubs, hikes, and even a world-class ballet (during which Masin fell asleep). And while every date was fun in and of itself, it was the time they spent together which proved most enjoyable. It took no time at all for the two to realize that they had each finally found 'the one.'

For Steve, selecting the perfect ring for Masin was surprisingly easy. The hard part, however, was figuring out the right way to give it to her. A late-summer vacation in Jamaica, to some, seemed like the perfect opportunity, but Steve had spent too much time mocking cliché tropical beach proposals to do such a thing. As such, Masin had written off a Caribbean beach as a potential proposal venue, leading Steve to realize that it was, in fact, the perfect opportunity to catch her off guard. The evening of August 27th, Steve convinced Masin that it would be well worth it to wake up early the next day and catch a beautiful sunrise on the beach. The following morning, while it was still dark, Steve packed a bag with a blanket and *other things,* and the two walked down to the shore. An overcast morning brought long rays of orange sunshine peeking from behind the gray and purple clouds. And a kayaker some 150 yards from the shore lay sole witness to the special moment that began what is now a lifelong journey rooted in love. Steve reached tactfully in the sand to unearth the ring box which he had carefully hidden some six inches below the surface. Sparing indulgence, Steve reminded Masin how much he loved her and pointedly asked her to marry him. And without hesitation, pause, or doubt, she said yes. Just moments later, an off-leash dog, who was being walked on the beach, greeted the two with a wet tongue and a sandy embrace—the perfect close to a most special moment. And while the proposal was a critical chapter in their story, the most important is still to come. It is with deep appreciation and love that Masin and Steve ask you to celebrate their wedding day with them.