The opening acts of how our lives became intertwined.
We first crossed paths in 2017 at Boston University, during an extracurricular theater production of the musical “Cabaret” when Devon was a wide-eyed Freshman, and Brian a well-established Junior. By “crossed paths,” we really mean only physically being in the same room a few times, since Brian was the Technical Director for the show, and Devon was attempting to act with perhaps the worst German accent you’ve ever heard. Beyond that? Devon was far too anxious and socially awkward to ever have dreamed of approaching an upperclassman in a romantic way, especially as he adjusted from the small-town life he’d always known. And Brian was on the precipice of “the greatest semester of his college career” (studying abroad in London, if you’ve never heard him talk about it. Don’t lie, though, he’s definitely brought it up to you). Oh, he also had a boyfriend at the time, so…. We were both about to enter a period of growth in a variety of forms, including but not limited to: existential crises, bleached blond hair (not unrelated to the existential crises), flings and breakups, dining hall food, international travel, evolving friendships, burnout, more extracurricular theater, senioritis, and just about all the usual happenings that young gay college students of our background would be likely to go through. Suffice to say that at this time, the stars did not align for anything beyond an awkward “Hey” from a stressed-out Brian as Devon shuffled through the Tsai Auditorium lobby hoping the handsome brunette (or was it blonde at this point?) wouldn’t be able to perceive him.
Our story begins in earnest in 2019, as Brian entered into his final semester at BU, and Devon approached the end of his lowerclassman years. Once again, our proximity was a result of extracurricular theater, this time through a play titled “The Burials.” Brian, in his Virgo-ism of doing what he knows he’s excellent at, was once again the Technical Director. By this time, Devon had learned that the lights of the stage were not for him, and had instead taken on the role of Producer. Which, in extracurricular theater, equated to selling tickets and helping promote the show to other broke college kids and the cast and crew’s families. During the process of putting on the show, Brian and Devon actually began to interact beyond mere glances and hesitant smiles. More accurately, Brian drove conversations in the theater lobby while Devon, able to read social cues as well as a toothpick, sat stupefied. Even he couldn’t tell you what was going on in his head at this point, besides a nest of social anxiety gnats driving him to be mute. Nevertheless, this was a great improvement over their first few “interactions” years prior. Something was actually manifesting between the two. Brian was drawn to Devon’s warmth, despite his quiet demeanor and shyness. He could tell this was an extraordinary person from the start and wanted to have a connection, whatever the degree. Oh, and Devon's ripped muscles and broad shoulders didn’t hurt either. Devon, in turn, found himself enamored by this intrepid and heartfelt man who swept through the room with all the charisma of royalty, yet held an endless well of compassion and empathy for each individual around him. Plus, who wouldn’t look at Brian and think, “That stud is going to age like fine wine,” or perhaps something less PG. The seed of our journey together had finally begun to take root. Now, we should mention that it was not an equal start to water this plant in terms of outward effort. Brian, in his self-assuredness and authenticity, did not conceal his interest, and made respectful advances. But Devon, with the social awareness of a rock, seemed closed off to his suitor. Nevertheless, Brian gently persisted. Especially once learning through their mutual friends, Lena and Margo, that Devon had been speaking in adoration about him. So as “The Burials” came to a close, Brian made one last effort by formally asking for a date. The result? Devon said “Yeah, I’ll let you know when I’m free!” And basically ghosted Brian. At this point, Brian began to believe that he may actually be alone in these feelings of attraction, and settled on attempting to at least be friends. Unbeknownst to him, just a couple weeks later, Devon had an unintentional heart-to-heart with his Mom that spurred a substantial amount of crying and self-reflection, concluding with the realization of what was about to pass him by. And so, several weeks after asking for a date and being left strung out to dry, and with mere weeks left before graduating, Brian got a message from Devon, sending his heart aloft with anticipation. The text (or novel, as some may say) was multiple paragraphs about wrapping up some outstanding items from The Burials. Brian’s optimistic buoyancy popped, his hopes sinking towards despair. But hidden at the bottom of this essay was a singular line that made Brian’s heart flutter once again, and had practically given Devon a heart attack typing it. “Also, wanna have dinner this weekend?”
On April 7, 2019, we had our first date at Lucia Ristorante in Boston’s North End. Unsurprisingly, due to being unable to comprehend the word “overcommitment” with extracurricular activities, Devon was late enough that the wait staff had started to cast glances of pity in Brian’s direction before his date finally burst through the door. And despite getting a front-row seat to Devon inhaling his food in a way that would put an industrial vacuum to shame, Brian still asked to swing by Bova’s Bakery for some late-night eclairs to keep the date going. Bellies full and spirits high, we meandered about the piers of the North End, chatting and laughing, our souls connecting as if we’d never been apart, our infatuation with each other growing. By the time we laid our heads down in our separate beds early that next morning, we both felt as if we’d reconnected with a long lost companion. 10 days later, we were officially dating. Mostly because Devon is impatient, but there was also an undeniable string that we’d both been following our whole lives, and in each other, we’d found the source. A relationship that’s grown with every passing day, that’s strengthened both of us since its founding. We’ve been through a lot since that first date, when we both opened our hearts in a raw, uncompromised display of support and understanding. Graduating, entering the workforce, the COVID pandemic, two cross-country moves, adopting our furry children, celebrating our wins, big and small. The list goes on, and in many ways, has only just begun. But through it all, we’ve stood by each other’s side in the face of this relentless world, and found that we have created an oasis in our bond. A haven of trust, respect, devotion, compassion, and authenticity that has given us both an ethereal level of peace. And we’re so excited to celebrate this love with you, our family and friends, on May 30, 2026.