Our first date was April 4, 2021, an open-air date in Lincoln Park in Southeast Washington, D.C. still during COVID times. We talked for hours and had a great time, but Quentin still gave a butt-out hug at the end.

One of our favorite things to do was to take long walks and chat about everything and anything. And we usually ended with dinner! That's how we found out Quentin was an incredible cook and Nikita...well she was much better at providing the entertainment while Quentin cooked.

Quentin said "I love you" first. Nikita had been thinking it for a while and said it right back. Now, it's a very regular part of our vocabulary, and we must say "I love you" the same number of times as the other every day.

Quentin went off to grad school in Pittsburgh for two years. It was tough being apart, but we visited often and Facetimed every night, no matter what. Nikita, to this day, cannot describe exactly what Quentin studied or does, but will never admit that he is *definitely* smarter than her.

The night before, Quentin woke up at 2 a.m. and knew: "tomorrow is the day." He got down on one knee with roses and a photo montage -- and Nikita said yes! After jumping up and down for a few seconds, Nikita knelt down and hugged Quentin. We will remember that moment forever.

We can't wait to celebrate our love story with you all!