Our love story started the way all great romances do: with a swipe… and a can of Diet Mountain Dew. While most people look for butterflies or sparks, I was just looking for someone who wouldn’t judge me for drinking 64 ounces of liquid neon every day. And then—there she was. Not a Mountain Dew can, but pretty close. We messaged back and forth—her with thoughtful, flirty banter; me carefully typing replies while double-fisting two diet Dews. After sending approximately 467 messages (including at least 42 memes and one unhinged GIF), we agreed to meet in person. The chosen location? The ever-so-glamorous steps of Roswell Park — nothing says romance like cutting-edge oncology research. As for the infamous chocolate cake? What started as a sarcastic request turned into a full-blown dessert heist. I showed up with the goods, liquid courage (i.e. a Diet Dew), and a grin so charming it could’ve gotten its own rom-com deal. We all know hydration and desserts are the foundation of any healthy relationship. That moment was magical… mostly because the cake was triple chocolate and still warm. As we stood there talking, I realized something wild: for the first time ever, I was more focused on a person than Dew. The conversation flowed smoother than a chilled bottle of citrus goodness. It felt like catching up with an old friend — who you just met, but somehow already know their Netflix password. The chemistry? Explosive. The vibes? Immaculate. The desire to return to our regularly scheduled lives? Nonexistent. When it was time to say goodbye, I hesitated—not just because I had half a cake left, but because I didn’t want to leave her. She had somehow become someone I knew I would marry someday. And just like that, two caffeine-fueled, mildly anxious millennials became inseparable. I knew I had found the only person who could compete with my carbonated soulmate. And while Mountain Dew will always have a special place in my heart (and bloodstream), she’s the only one I’d ever share the last sip with.

It was as special and unique as our love story, and began as a journey down memory lane, recreating some of our most cherished moments. First, the day began perfectly as we reenacted our adorable first date: mini golf, where my competitive side came out, followed by ice cream at Andersons, where we shared our dreams and fears. Next, we went back to the steps of Roswell Park, the place where our eyes first met and the infamous chocolate cake was devoured. We reminisced about the small talk that led to something so big. Then, in true "us" fashion, we headed to Target for a fun couples shopping game, laughing over which items we thought we’d enjoy the most. As the day drew to a close, we prepared a home-cooked meal, pouring our love into every moment. Finally, we drove to Gallagher Pier, the site of our first spontaneous meetup involving an inconspicuous aloo roti exchange. As we stood there bundled up in the brisk March air, watching the sun dance on the water, I gave you the handwritten letters you had previously requested I bring along. I didn’t think much of it, but I was intrigued by the request. Each letter captured a moment, a feeling, a reason why you loved me. Each one was poetic and unique and I wondered why these letters were so significant today. As we walked along the pier, you pulled out a new letter and started to read it aloud. I glanced at it fluttering in your hand in the breeze and noticed that the word “me” was in bold. Slowly, as you recited the letter, I pieced together what was happening. The previous letters each had a word in bold that ultimately spelled out “Will you marry", with the last letter completing the question. My heart began to race. Time seemed to pause. The cold air didn’t feel so cold anymore. The sunset spilled over the clouds sending rays of vibrant hues across the sky at that very moment. I looked at you and suddenly you were on one knee, a beautiful diamond ring sparkling in your hand and tears dazzling in your eyes. Without a moment of hesitation, you asked me to spend forever with you. I gleefully said “yes of course!” I was overwhelmed with emotion and excitement. It was a moment I will never forget. A moment I’ve dreamt of since I was a little girl. It signified a turning point for us. A commitment to a lifetime of love and happiness. You could say our story is something out of a fairytale. And that’s really what it was, what it still is, and what it will be. Forever and always. ❤️