We grew up in the same town, attended the same high school, and even shared mutual friends — yet somehow, our paths didn’t truly cross until many years later. After college and a few adventures of our own, life brought us back to where it all began. What started as a friendship soon became something more. Nights together on the town with friends and family eventually led to Chris inviting Jessica to join him and their mutual friends for a Valentine’s Day dinner — an evening that did not go according to plan. The food arrived hours late and undercooked, but the martinis were prompt and plentiful. Buzzed, hungry, and laughing, we left the restaurant and continued the night — and somewhere along the way, shared our first kiss. As the outside world slowed down, we built a little world of our own — cooking dinners, going on hikes, exploring new places, spending time with family, and finding joy in every day. When the world opened its doors once more, we hit the ground running — discovering new restaurants, charming towns, and destinations near and far, from the Catskills to Greece. Together, we’ve created a life rooted in love, laughter, and lots of teamwork — even starting our own business together. Now, we’re so excited to celebrate our greatest adventure yet with all the people who mean the most to us.

As told by Jessica: The proposal had been in the works for months — every detail thoughtfully orchestrated by Chris, with a little help from our dear friends, Jimmy and Angela. When they invited us on a trip to Aruba, I had no idea it was all part of the master plan. On our second day, we had waterside dinner reservations, and the group suggested taking the scenic route: a sunset walk along the beach. Just before we left, our friends leaned into their roles. Angela asked Jimmy to bring his professional camera, and he resisted, insisting it was too heavy to carry — but of course, he ultimately gave in. I was still completely clueless. Partway down the beach, the “cameraman” asked me to snap a few photos of him and his wife. When they were done, I naturally asked if they could take a few of Chris and me. As we walked toward the ocean, Chris started talking about his dreams for the future — and I couldn’t understand why he was getting so deep during a casual photoshoot. I tugged on his collar to get him to look toward the camera… and instead, he turned, got down on one knee, and asked the question. My first response, completely shocked, was: “Are you serious?” He was. And I said YES.

October 4, 2025