We met in the winter between 2021 and 2022 at Sahlen’s Sports Park during a co-ed adult soccer game. Meredith’s team needed a sub, and thanks to Brooke Chavanne and Joe’s neighbors — the Mancuso brothers — Joe joined in and helped fill the spot. After a few games and some friendly conversations, Joe asked Meredith out to dinner. She politely declined — not because she wasn’t interested, but because she has a very real pet peeve: loud chewing. She didn’t want to risk ruining a good first impression over something she couldn't un-hear. Instead, Meredith came up with what she thought was the perfect backup plan: a Bandits game. It was loud, fast-paced, and if things got awkward or quiet, they could always just watch the game. On February 5th, 2022, they officially went on their first date. But plans didn't go as expected. Meredith did end up having to eat dinner with Joe before the game (at Tully's,) — and to her surprise, he didn’t irritate her at all. Call that true love. During the game, Joe got a text from his friend, Nate Piegdon, inviting him to his house for a bonfire — in February. He was having such a great time that he asked Meredith to come along. She agreed, borrowed some of Joe’s extra layers, and braved the freezing cold. Unfortunately, after about 20 minutes of trying to start a fire in the wind and snow, the guys gave up. Still not ready for the night to end, Joe suggested grabbing a drink at Leo’s in West Seneca. One stop turned into another — and after Leo’s, they ended up back at Joe’s house, to watch Cars and The Avengers. Neither of us wanted it to end — and luckily, it didn’t. Since that night, we’ve built a life full of laughter, and more chaotic adventures. Now, we’re so excited to celebrate the next chapter with all of you.

In May 2023, we moved into our first house together. It was exciting, a little chaotic, and immediately felt like home—even before we figured out where anything went. Then in December 2023, things really picked up. On the 19th, we got engaged (yay!), and just a little over a week later, on December 28th, we brought home our first puppy—Mikko Carmine. He’s been running the house ever since. A few months later, on May 27th, 2024, we added Raya Ramano to the crew. She and Mikko are total goofballs together and watching them become part of our family has been some of the best parts of this whole thing.