We're getting married!

Raychel first spotted Neal during a F45 Studio workout class in Venice. Who could resist those muscles? But what really caught her attention was his energy; calm, cool, collected, and focused on the task at hand. There was something about him that drew her to him, and one day she noticed a very special tattoo on his leg: it was the AA symbol! Raychel, being sober for a few years, recognized that symbol as something so instrumental in her life and immediately knew that he was her people. One day, she mustered up the courage to approach him before a workout class, sliding up to him and saying, "Hey, are you in the program?" He looked up at her with a twinkle in his eye and said, "Yes! Yes, I am. Are you?" And she smiled and nodded, "I am too." And thus began their journey of getting to know each other as workout buddies and fellows in recovery. They were paired together during some workouts and ended up on the same team for a "Challenge," which was a 60-day group challenge aimed at achieving a fitness goal. Part of the group was using a chat application called Slack, and they were the only ones in the group who were using the group chat. Eventually, Neal slid into Raychel's DMs to start a one-on-one chat. He asked her a question he already knew the answer to, but really was looking for a way to connect with her. After a few weeks of flirting and chatting, Neal asked Raychel out to dinner. They went on their first date, and it was the first time they saw each other outside the gym, and both were very impressed. They really hit it off, and the conversation flowed effortlessly, covering topics such as life, recovery, health, spiritual concepts, and much more. When Neal told Raychel that he was a Taurus, she knew it was true love. Raychel is a Capricorn and knew that their star signs matched perfectly. After dinner, Neal walked Raychel to her car, and they turned to each other and had their first kiss. Raychel immediately smiled and said, "I'm feeling a spark!" and Neal knew right then and there that Raychel was a special gift from the universe. She was all the things he wanted in a woman: intelligent, beautiful, athletic, spiritual, and sober. They dated for 3 more days before Neal asked Raychel to be his girlfriend. They both just knew, in their hearts, that they had found the one, and it felt right. Their relationship continued to blossom as they both enjoy working out, laughing, attending AA meetings, and exploring the world together. They share a special bond in mind, body, and spirit that is undeniable and truly a gift from the cosmos. They call it their "Cosmic Connection". Neal asked Raychel to be his wife on March 30, 2025, in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, and immediately after, his entire family was there to celebrate with a joyful engagement party. The couple is now excited to invite you to their wedding celebration on the Summer Solstice of 2026.