We will be getting married on April 24, 2026; a small, intimate ceremony with our immediate family. However, we could not say "I Do" without being able to celebrate with the people we love on June 27th. Our story began like many modern-day romances—with a swipe and a like on a dating app. The first time we were supposed to meet, Joe had to cancel due to food poisoning—which worked out, because that same night I came down with a terrible cold (not unusual when you’re a teacher). After rescheduling and finally meeting in person, we hit it off immediately. Our first date lasted four hours filled with talking, laughter, and discovering each other’s interests. We bonded over our love for food and cooking, contributions to the community (Joe through his service in the Navy, and Nicole through her career in education), the outdoors, the Patriots, traveling, and family, just to name a few. There was no doubt a second date was happening. A few months later came meeting families and friends, and the approval from both sides was simply the cherry on top. Fast forward to July 2025. We took a long weekend trip to the White Mountains, a joint planning effort that included a hike Joe had carefully chosen on South Moat Mountain off the Kancamagus Highway. It was a hot day, with a chance of afternoon rain. We woke up early to beat the heat and weather. I was nervous about bears and didn’t feel fully prepared, but with some encouragement, we pressed on. The hike was challenging—steep, aggressive trails that were more demanding than we both expected. At the halfway point, I began to seriously question whether we’d make it to the top. Joe was calm, patient, and reassuring as always. He asked if I wanted to keep going. Turning back didn’t feel right with all his encouragement and promises of the views ahead. So we kept going. When we finally reached the summit, I was desperate for whatever water we had left, and a snack before I could consider taking in the view. Joe meanwhile soaked it all in, snapping panoramic photos and encouraging me to look around. Once I caught my breath, the beauty of the mountains was breathtaking—clouds clearing, views stretching for miles. As we stood there together, Joe explained why he had chosen this mountain- to ask me to marry him in a place that I felt so connected to. It’s hard to say how many times my breath was taken away that day—by the hike, the lack of water, the views—but his proposal stole it completely. Saying yes was the easiest decision I have ever made. We are excited to embark on this next journey together as husband and wife.