One day after mass during the summer of 2013 at the Washington University Catholic Student Center, a mutual friend introduced us. We bonded over both of us potentially moving to Boston (only one of us actually would) and we kept getting to know each other throughout the summer. We dated briefly that fall and then decided to go our separate ways. We had some growing up to do. Paul moved to Austin the next spring for a new job and Anna went off to Boston for grad school-- and we didn't stay in touch except a few snap chats and insta likes here and there. Fast forward 3 1/2 years and Paul was visiting friends in Boston (thanks guys!) and he remembered Anna was still in the area. Paul reached out to meet up for lunch since he had some free time one day. Anna said sure, why not, and lunch turned into coffee, which turned into a tour of campus, follwed by mass together, & then dinner and a game night with Paul's friends. It was like no time had passed (clichés are clichés for a reason). At the end of the night, we talked about how wonderful it was to spend the day together and how suprisingly easy it was to be with each other, even after all this time. Being ever so practical, we said our goodbyes and thought "see ya never!" But, we kept talking every day and when Anna went home to Houston a few weeks later, Paul drove in from Austin and they had the best date that inlcuded a trip to the art museum and a baseball game. We didn't quite know what we were getting ourselves into with long distance for what would be the next 14 months, but we were saying yes to each other every day along the way and we couldn't be more grateful.

(Anna writing here...) One morning Paul said to come over as soon as I woke up (I knew..!) When I walked into his apartment and there were roses, coffee, and cinnamon rolls (YUM!). Paul had also set out all the letters/cards from our time doing long distance. It was perfect. We got to take the morning slowly and eat breakfast together. We then sat on the couch together and Paul gave me two gifts. The first were candles he hand-poured for me (yup, you read that right. He made them himself). One of the very first gifts Paul ever sent in a care package had a candle in it & one of our favorite date nights/gifts to give to family/friends are homemade candles. We talked about the kind of home we want to share, too sweet. Then he pulled out the second gift which was a photobook of memories together over the past two years. We laughed and cried through every page. Finally, Paul closed the book, pulled out the ring, & got down on one knee!* Neither of us really remember what was said other than YES followed by a lot of laughter and tears of joy. The best part of the weekend? Calling all of our people and sharing our joy with them!