On August 8th, 2016, two kids with different backgrounds and aspirations moved to New York City on the same exact day. Meri came from the Midwest to pursue dance and musical theater, and Aaron migrated south from Ithaca to take the consulting world by storm. We wouldn’t meet until 6 months later, but it’s one of several beautiful coincidences and strokes of luck that brought us together. Another being that for us to have met, Meri needed to decide to watch her first-ever televised soccer game at an Arsenal bar (RIP The Blind Pig in the East Village, which sadly did not survive the pandemic). We met there on a Saturday morning in the spring of 2017 with a small group of mutual friends, and we ended up spending the whole day together. We took to each other very naturally, sharing laughs, conversations, friends, art, and meals in a way that befitted more seasoned couples. Various milestones would ensue, including a big career change for Aaron as he pivoted to government work, short bouts of long distance as Meri took dance gigs outside of the city, and moving in with each other into a classic NYC shoebox on the scenic Upper West Side. Our time in New York wasn’t without trials, of course - an artist and government-ist had unique and challenging experiences during the pandemic. When it was Meri's turn for a career pivot, Aaron swears he was never trying to annoy her as she studied for the LSAT (he just thought the logic games were really cool), and Meri still feels guilty for turning about half of our 600 square foot apartment into her online fitness studio to teach classes over Zoom. But it makes us happy to support and share with one another - Meri took time out of her study schedule to teach Aaron the logic games, and Aaron happily signed up to be Meri's on-screen assistant for her virtual fitness classes. Gratefully, we made it through the pandemic healthy and closer than ever, which was crucial as Meri chose to attend UCLA School of Law and took Aaron home to Southern California for another chapter in this story. And that brings us to now. Aaron proposed on July 29th, 2023, and although being engaged is pretty great, we can't wait to get married. At the end of the day, we’re best friends who are constantly inspired by one another and simply love experiencing life together. We're deeply grateful for the opportunity to solidify our commitment and celebrate with you, our support system, as you have all helped us make it to this point. XO, Meri and Aaron