We first met at Ohio University, as members of the same student organization. While most love stories start with a chance encounter or a romantic first date, ours starts with an election ... against each other. Before we knew each other well, Paul ran against Caitlin for Communications Director of College Democrats. He won, but eventually, we both ended up with roles in the organization and got to know each other better through all the time spent volunteering at events. Over time, we grew closer and started dating in early 2012. During college, Paul studied engineering and Caitlin double-majored in journalism and political science. Between the demands of classes, jobs, internships and very active campus lives, we both explored our futures independently and grew as individuals. After graduation, Paul stayed at Ohio University for graduate school. Caitlin moved to Connecticut, and eventually to Columbus, Ohio. During that time, we reconnected and started a long-distance relationship once Paul finished grad school and moved to Frederick, Maryland for work. For nearly two years, we made the drive between Ohio and Maryland each month, finding time for each other and learning how to bridge the many miles. In January 2017, Caitlin finally made the move to Maryland herself, and in September 2019, we bought our first home in Frederick, Maryland.

On October 13, 2019, we drove to Montréal at the end of a longer trip to Canada. We spent the day exploring the city, wishing we knew French, and enjoying all of the wonderful, historical architecture. At sunset, we climbed to the top Mount Royal Park to look over the whole city ... where the rest of Montréal apparently had the same idea. Caitlin didn't know that Paul planned to propose there, but he quickly changed plans once he saw the huge crowd (or as he likes to say, he threw an audible #sports). We finished walking around the park and then went to the La Grande Roue, a beautiful Ferris Wheel in the Old Port of Montréal. Once we were in our gondola, Paul got down on one knee and popped the question, and Caitlin excitedly said yes! We also learned that October 13 holds special significance for both of us. Caitlin's parents were engaged on Oct. 13, 2000 and married on Oct. 13, 2001, and Paul's parents were engaged on Oct. 13, 1989! We are very excited and honored to share this special date.