The first page of our story was written in 2009 within the walls of our middle school. Bright eyed and energetic, we arrived at school each morning and gathered in the cafeteria with our friends before going to class. The routine was typical for 13-year-olds; we sat at our usual tables with our usual friends to start each usual day. As time went on, our eyes began scanning the lunch room for one another. When they met, we looked away giggling, and with the stealthy assistance of our friends, we ended up with each other's numbers in our phones. We asked our parents if we could hang out outside of school, and with the agreement that our parents would chaperone, we had a (very cute) first date at the local bowling alley. We exchanged little gifts, played a few rounds of bowling, and sat side-by-side, texting each other... the entire time. Although not more than a "Hi!" was verbally exchanged between us that day, we ultimately knew there was a special sort of spark that drew us together. Six years later, after having gone to different high schools and continuing our separate journeys, our paths reconnected as he sent one more text message... "Hey its been a long time how are you doing?" Soon after countless long nights of sharing stories, a second "first" date, and a mutual rediscovery of a connection that trancends the spoken word, our two separate selves became an "us". Following almost a decade of long distance communication, hand-written cards, and a goal to continute growing together, we moved in to our sweet little home and adopted our senior cat, Nala. In September of 2025, we took a day trip to New York City to see the revival of Cabaret on Broadway. The show was perfectly marvelous, and dinner followed at a quiet dim sum restaurant not too far from the theater. Seated across from each other with the same bright eyes that scanned the lunch room to find one another all those year ago, the obvious answer to "Remi, will you marry me?" was an enthusiastic "Yes!" Here's to the path that led us back to each other and may we share the sense of connection that is so deeply rooted within our story with all of you on our wedding day. We are so excited to celebrate with you. Cheers!