"I think you're really going to like this"

It all started with a swipe - a pandemic swipe. April 2021: We were in the midst of getting vaccinated. Charlotte's spring blooms sweetened the air. In a state of weathered optimism and reluctant delight, we swiped right. Upon discovering that we lived across the street from one another, we drank rosé on the porch for our first date. Rhianna won Davis and Gus' affection with treats. Alexx won Rhianna's affection with vegan chocolate chip cookies. Our second date was at a wine bar, where the staff told us we were very, very cute together. And, from there, it was history. We fell in love, hard and fast. Within two months we were talking about getting married and, within 5 months we were engaged. Rhianna proposed first - an intricately-planned day including a picnic, massages, and a romantic, private proposal. Alexx proposed two weeks later in an indoor picnic (thanks, wind!). Our first year together has been, well, filled with multitudes. We survived nasty COVID infections side-by-side. We moved in together, trampled about Northern California, got to know one another's loved ones. We integrated our little family of three dogs, both made professional transitions, and bought a house (!). We have laughed and cried with friends - both new and old. We experienced the transitions of people and relationships. We learn more and more about ourselves every day. Throughout both the love, and the loss, we have solidified a vision for a shared future that is filled with hope, beauty, joy, curiosity, growth, and resilience. We cannot wait to celebrate our love, and YOUR love. Together. Charlotte is a place that we call home, and we cannot wait to share it with you.