We met through mutual friends at a New Year’s Eve party in NYC, ringing in 2020. My friends and I approached Rodrigo and asked the hilariously cliché question: “So… what’s your sign?” Rod begrudgingly replied, “Gemini.” Later that evening, we ended up at different bars, but to Rodrigo’s delight, I texted our mutual friend, “Where’s Rod?” He swiftly showed up, and we shared a New Year’s Eve kiss, only to soon begin sharing our lives together. At the time, Rod lived in Connecticut but made frequent trips to visit me in NYC from January through early March. Then, like so many others, we were separated for two long months during peak COVID. Despite the distance, we talked every single day and FaceTimed most nights, always looking forward to when we could be together again. We officially started dating in April 2020 and spent that summer in NYC, getting to know each other on a deeper level and falling in love. We truly became each other’s very best friend. After a year of long-distance, we moved in together in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, creating our first home together, a memory we’ll always cherish. We later moved to the Upper West Side, where we lived for two and a half years, continuing to grow our relationship and create lasting memories through travel, family time, and simple everyday life. On August 10, 2024, Rod proposed in the most thoughtful way, in Central Park at the iconic Bow Bridge. It was truly the best day of our lives. Both our families traveled from New Hampshire and Florida to celebrate with us, which meant the absolute world. In December 2024, we made the move to Tampa, Florida to be closer to our families, build new roots, and plan our wedding. We’re so excited to begin this next chapter together as husband and wife and we can't wait to celebrate with each of you on our special day!