Almost exactly one year after our first "not-a-date" date at Bancroft's Castle in Groton, MA, we planned to meet some friends for a summertime picnic. After being told that our friends were running late, we hiked up the hill toward where we could wait for them. But as we rounded the corner, we heard a lovely guitar strumming (a surprise to both of us) and saw that a picnic had already been set up with flowers and champagne. Before I could take everything in, Alex was on one knee in front of me, asking me to be his wife and best friend for life. Our wonderful friends couldn't wait to come out of their hiding places behind the castle tower and celebrate with us! Tommy had been perched there, sneakily taking pictures. Caterina had been warding off rambunctious little kids from ruining the moment. And Collin had been asking Mike, the guy that happened to be there playing his guitar, to stay a little longer and keep playing for us. We spent the rest of the morning in the best company, having champagne and sun-butter and jelly sandwiches, and playing the wedding-themed board game that Caterina so thoughtfully crafted for us. Tommy helped us recreate some of the photos we had taken a year ago, back when we never could have imagined where we are now. We went back to Pepperell for a happy evening of dinner and dessert with our families and FaceTiming our friends to share the news. Surrounded by love, happiness and celebration, it was easily one of the happiest days of our lives (so far!) We're so excited for so much more joy to come and we can't wait to celebrate love with all of you!