Joe didn’t usually go to his sister’s parties. Not only did he not know many of Jacinta’s friends, most of whom were quite younger than him, but it took an hour to drive from his home in Lakewood down to the Akron area. He had all of the excuses lined up when Jacinta asked him to come to her All Saints’ Day party, but for whatever reason, this time they felt flat. He told his baby sister that, yes, he would come. After digging around his things, he decided to wear the panda onesie he had bought for a previous Halloween party. It was comfortable, easy, and guaranteed a couple of laughs. He’d get a drink, talk to his siblings, and leave early. Simple, easy. Rose didn’t usually go to Jacinta’s parties. Not only were they an hour away, but she had to go by herself and, of the handful of people she knew, it was only casually. But she hadn’t forced herself to socialize in a while and she needed to get out of the house. So, she looked around her apartment for a costume and with paint, a broom handle, and some duct tape whipped together her version of St. Joan of Arc, a bloody arrow protruding out of her shoulder and all. It was dramatic, historic, and just a little gory. She’d get a drink, talk to a few people she’d never met, and leave early. Simple, easy. The party was lively, filled with good food and great costumes. Rose worked her way through the house, meeting new people and sampling punch. Joe made conversation with Jacinta’s friends he knew and ate chips with salsa. It was good. They were both glad they had forced themselves to go. They could leave soon having done their duty. Then Jacinta introduced her brother, dressed in a panda suit, to the girl who came as St. Joan of Arc. They chatted about how they were both from the Cleveland area and didn’t often come to these parties. Joe didn’t fail to notice how this girl had painted Henry VI’s lions and fleur de lis on the arrowhead in her collarbone. Rose didn’t fail to notice this man’s uniquely kind eyes and unconventionally stylish man bun. Soon, they parted ways, but Joe let that Joan girl stay in his peripheral vision, keeping an eye on where she was. Everyone was gathering in the basement to announce the winners of the costume contest. Rose decided now was her chance to slip away unnoticed. She’d socialized, ate some good food, and knew she wouldn’t be winning the contest. No one would notice if she left a little early. But someone did. When Joan of Arc left the party, a panda followed her. Alone together upstairs, Joe asked Rose for her number. “Since we’re both from Cleveland, I can let you know when anything is going on with the youth group up there.” “Jacinta’s a great person,” Rose thought. “Her brother can’t be too bad.” She gave him her number. He texted her that night. The party where the panda and St. Joan of Arc met was on October 29th, 2022. Now, on October 24th, 2025, we invite you to the wedding of Joe and Rose. Simple, easy.