Our story began at a wedding, Lauren and Barry’s to be exact. Lauren is Maxine’s sister, and Barry is one of Jake’s closest mates. Looking back, it feels like the universe had been quietly setting the stage for that day in Stellenbosch, the moment our paths crossed when Jake briefly introduced himself to Maxine. Even though it was just a quick hello, little did we know it was the beginning of our love story. A few months later, Maxine moved to New York. On the very day she arrived, fresh off the plane, fate – or maybe just perfect timing – had us bump into each other at Layla, a Brooklyn bar we now both love (and, funny enough, live right next to today). Not long after, Maxine was heading to a Chiefs vs. Jets Sunday Night Football game when Barry offered Jake a last-minute ticket – let’s just call it luck – giving him the perfect excuse to spend more time with her. A week later, Jake finally worked up the nerve to slide into Maxine’s DMs with an invite for a drink, and the second date was a Knicks game (unfortunately for Maxine, her first real glimpse into Jake’s sports obsession). From there, our story began to write itself. Today, home for us and our cavapoo, Milo, is Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Jake has been in New York nearly six years and Maxine a little over two. Life looks like coffee runs, cooking together, long walks, trying out new restaurants, nights out with friends, weekends of football, and when Maxine has the remote, marathon sessions of Love Island and Below Deck (now also on Jake’s favorites list). It turns out the little things are the big things, especially when we get to share them. South Africa will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s where our story began, where Maxine’s family roots run deep, and where we will return to say “I do.” We cannot wait to bring our families and friends from Australia, the U.S., South Africa, and beyond to the place where it all began. Beginning this new adventure surrounded by the people who mean the most to us makes it all the more special.