Lauren and I are thrilled to celebrate our big day with our favorite people. Having everyone we love all together for one epic party is a dream come true. Please join us for a welcome cocktail the night before, and we hope you can take some time Saturday morning to explore New Bedford. While we live on Martha's Vineyard, New Bedford holds a very special place in our hearts. Not only is it where Lauren grew up, but we also had our first date right down the street from the Whaling Museum. And, before Lauren moved to the Island, we spent many days and nights galavanting and enjoying all the Whaling City has to offer. Lauren and I met through mutual friends. Will went to college with Lauren at Lynn University, where they bonded over their Patriots fandom and mutual understanding of why New England is superior to Florida. Legend has it that Lauren's buffalo chicken dip was the driving factor behind the Pats' miracle 28-3 comeback. Will has been one of my best buds since we were 9 and 10 years old. Our friendship simply started with a "you like the Red Sox too?!" and the rest is history. When Will and his wife, Brittany, told me, "You have to meet Lauren, you are going to love her," and "Dude, Pineau is the best," I knew there was something special about her. And at Will and Britt's wedding, I found out just how special she is. She also came with the sweetest, fluffiest pup in the world. Miss Takoda. She and Lauren are the best package deal I could've ever asked for. Now, being a Vineyard kid, I wasn't sure how Lauren would feel about dating someone who requires a ferry ride to visit. However, I was elated to learn she was a frequent visitor to the Island with her parents nearly every summer growing up. It was like she had been here all along, and now our paths finally crossed at just the right time. For Takoda, I wasn't too worried about what she'd think of the Vineyard. Because really, there's no better place to be a dog than Martha's Vineyard. After two trips to the rock, it pretty much became Takoda's Vineyard. When Lauren and Takoda moved to the Island in March of '24, Martha welcomed them with open arms. The girls became certified wash-ashore islanders in no time. From the friends Lauren has made to the lacrosse team she coaches, it's been the most wonderful thing watching the woman I love the most intertwine in the fabric of the community I am so lucky to have been raised in. Now, as we get closer and closer to December 12, the day I get to marry the most beautiful lady, love of my life, and best friend, we couldn't be more excited to write the next chapter of our lives with all of you. Get ready to dance, rock out, eat, drink, and celebrate! We cannot wait to see you! Lots of love, -Aaron