Like all great modern love stories, ours began in the most romantic of places... a dimly lit, slightly sticky dive bar on the Lower East Side. For those unfamiliar with our origin story, buckle up. It’s got fate, music, and even a little hair-related tragedy. Andrew was your classic starving musician: fresh to NYC, sleeping on a friend’s floor, guitar in hand, dreams of rock stardom in his head. Sydney, newly single, was navigating the ruthless yet fabulous world of fashion, trying to make a name for herself. One fateful Thursday night in June, their paths crossed at Arlene’s Grocery. Sydney was the customer; Andrew was the bartender—serving drinks, turning on the charm, and probably hoping for better tips. Sydney immediately clocked him as cute, so naturally, they started chatting. And then came the moment that changed everything. Andrew casually dropped that he was in a band. This piqued Sydney’s interest—not because she was easily impressed (she wasn’t) but because music had always been a huge part of her life. She had long suspected she’d end up with a musician. Not that she was actively husband-hunting or anything... Now, let’s rewind five years. Sydney, a die-hard live music fan, had gone to a show at Webster Hall. She fell in love with the opening band—one she’d never heard of before but instantly connected with. She became obsessed, adding their songs to every road trip playlist. Their sound was her sweet spot: a mix of pop-punk and raw, meaningful lyrics. That band? Lion in the Mane. Flash forward to Arlene’s Grocery. Andrew, probably thinking his band name drop would be met with polite indifference, said, “You probably won’t know it.” Sydney, sensing a challenge, shot back, “Try me.” And then he said it: “Lion in the Mane.” Cue Sydney nearly falling off her barstool. She immediately started belting out one of their songs, proving her fan status. Andrew was bewildered, but impressed. Sydney, on the other hand, was thrilled—what were the odds? She had unknowingly been a fan of Andrew for years, and now here he was, making her a vodka soda. At the very least, they had to go on a date... if nothing else, it would make for an excellent story to tell her friends. Over the next few weeks, she made a point to pop into Arlene’s a few more times, casually (but very intentionally) running into Andrew. This wasn’t exactly difficult—she did live right across the street. Eventually, he asked her out. He suggested Central Park—very romantic. Sydney, being Sydney, countered: “Can’t we just go to a bar?” So dinner and drinks it was. At dinner, Andrew ordered duck, which Sydney found oddly impressive. It signaled an openness to adventure—critical information for a girl who needed someone equally excited about great food and new experiences. The night ended at Bowery Electric with their first kiss… and somehow, Andrew getting gum in Sydney’s hair. We still don’t know how. From that night on, they were inseparable. The last eight years have been a whirlwind of travel, incredible meals, live music, and NYC adventures—all while building the life they dreamed of together. And now? Well, now we’re making it official.