It was September of 2009 and our senior year of high school just started. Senior-itus already hit Monisha but she needed to have her AP Chem summer homework done by next period. Growing nervous, she heard from a friend that there is a guy named Lyle in her study period who's also in AP Chem ... and he happens to be really smart. She introduced herself and asked if she could "compare" her answers so she could slyly copy it. Of course, he caught her but was really nice and let it slide. Since then, their friendship consisted of keeping each other humble (by making fun of each other) and lifting each other up (when she decided to switch majors or when he questioned if he could even get into Med School). Gradually, they realized their relationship was more than friends but rather mega-besties!

After a day of apartment hunting in NYC, Lyle suggested to Monisha that they take a walk through Central Park to become accustomed to their city. After 10 minutes, Lyle asked if they could both sit down on a bench and rest. Lyle reflected with Monisha the journey to get to this moment. Their high school memories, college trials and tribulations, and even going long-distance while Monisha completed her MSc -- all of that lead to that very moment. In typical Monisha fashion, she teased him that he should just propose if he meant all of that! It was at that moment Lyle took out the ring from the pocket and said: "Well actually...will you marry me?" Of course, it was a no brainer! She said yes!

COVID-19 got in the way but we couldn't imagine being married this year. It was a beautiful day in Long Beach Island, NJ with our immediate family. Father JC (who you will meet at the catholic ceremony vow renewal!) officiated a beautiful and intimate ceremony on the rooftop of the Nolasco Beach House. The ceremony was followed by lovely Filipino and Indian food and then family game night (shout out to Fr JC for introducing Out of the Loop to us). Now we cannot wait to celebrate with you in 2022!