We’re getting married!

Paul and Anastasia met on Cinco de Mayo in 2018 at Positano Coast in Philadelphia, although, Paul wouldn't ask Anastasia out for their first date until that following September. They had gone out with mutual friends, that they'd both known forever, but yet they had never met. While talking, Paul made mention of his sister, Lisa. Minutes later, Anastasia, puzzled, asked, "wait, who's your sister?!" In that moment Anastasia realized that Paul's sister Lisa was the same Lisa she had known for most of her life. Lisa was in fact very close friends with her sister, Maria. Paul had also known Anastasia's sister, Maria, for much his life as well. Yet neither had known the other even existed. They would soon learn that they had been in the same place, and with the same people, many times throughout their lives, but as fate would have it, their paths would not cross until that night. Neither even remembers even seeing the other's face, or vaguely remembering the other. For most of their lives, there was only one degree of separation.

After Paul and Anastasia first met on Cinco de Mayo, they felt an instant connection to one another. However, it would take some time before Paul would work up the nerve to ask Anastasia out. Throughout the summer, each would talk about the other to their friends, but neither would take any action. On September 8th, 2018, Anastasia had gone out to dinner to Estia with some friends. They were debating where to go next for drinks, when Anastasia made mention of U-Bahn. She told her friends that she believed Paul would hang out there from time to time, but she wasn't sure if he'd be there that night. Her friend Gabrielle exclaimed, that now they had to go and see if he was there! Meanwhile, at that same time, Paul was getting ready to head to U-Bahn to celebrate a friend's birthday. Anastasia arrived at the bar and ended up seeing Paul's cousin, who she'd also known for a long time. They talked for a little, and then Paul entered the bar. They saw each other, and Paul came over and said hello. He invited Anastasia and her friends to their table to celebrate his friend's birthday. As Anastasia walked over to the table, she realized Paul's friend just happened to be someone she'd known since high school. He was the brother of an old friend of hers. Yet another close connection between Paul and Anastasia. They laughed at how many friends they had in common. As the night went on, Paul's cousin eventually told him that he believed Anastasia thought Paul was cute, and that Paul "should go for it". Paul had been wanting to ask Anastasia out on a date, but wasn't sure if she was interested. This comment from Paul's cousin, gave him the push he needed. Paul started flirting with Anastasia and finally asked her out. He told her that he felt a strong connection when they first met back in May, but wasn't sure if she felt the same way. Anastasia would exclaim that she felt it too, and that she also wasn't sure if he was interested in her either. The rest is history.

Paul and Anastasia had been together for about a year and half, when Paul started to plan his proposal. He knew he wanted to ask her during their trip to Greece they had planned for that August. They were going to hike Mount Olympus, and he would propose during the hike. Little did he know, a pandemic was leering. Covid changed the world. they spent the next 6 months trying to stay safe. Paul was busy planning a new proposal. During this time, Paul and Anastasia begun looking to buy a house. They found the one, and made an offer, which was accepted in July. Their closing date was September 9, 2020, one day after their anniversary. From the beginning of their relationship, Paul and Anastasia had loved traveling to Shenandoah Valley. This is where they both said "I love you" for the first time, and where they spent their one year anniversary. This is a special place for them. Paul planned a weekend trip to Shenandoah for their two year anniversary. This was the perfect place to propose. During the month leading up to the weekend of September 6th, Paul had bought the ring, and painted her a picture with a lighthouse and two turtles holding flippers, two of Anastasia's favorite things. Anastasia had no idea Paul was about to propose. Although she knew they were headed in that direction, she didn't believe Paul would propose until after they moved into their house. The night they got to the cabin, Anastasia went to take a shower. During that time, Paul set up the picture he painted and tea lights that led a path to the back deck, which overlooked the mountain. Outside, Paul lit lights that spelled out "Marry Me". Anastasia, having no idea, threw on sweatpants and tank top, and proceeded to walk towards the lights. There, she stood stunned read the picture, "Let's Light Our Path". she walked to the deck doors, there, Paul was waiting on one knee. He proceeded to ask her the question that would be the beginning of the rest of their lives.