Despite starting at Princeton at the same time, we were just two tigers passing in the RoMa dining hall. From first-year parties in Holder Hall to European semesters abroad to club soccer formals, we were together the whole time unbeknownst to us. At last, by senior spring, the buzz of Post-Thesis Life was abound, Poe Field picnics were plentiful, and toga parties awaited. Expert matchmakers (look for them in our parties) finally struck gold on a sunny Easter Sunday Funday at PJ's Pancake House. After a few fireworks, one wine train, ten baby goats, and a jukebox in Myrtle Beach, we asked each other what our post-grad plans were. Long distance it would be.

We got very familiar with the Port Authority Bus Terminal. We became even more familiar with our two cities: IPAs at Trillium Brewery, feasts in the North End, strolls on the East River Promenade, takeout from Korean Express. We also started a tradition that inspired our wedding: autumn trips to the Berkshires and Burlington, VT. Throughout the pandemic, we cheered ourselves up with new recipes (we did not attempt bread) and long walks with Miss Franny the Rump Roast. After losing a lot of hair and sanity to the LSAT, we were both accepted into law school. New York City together, finally.

Yes, it is just as miserable as everyone says it is. More hair lost. Slightly more knowledge gained. Many desperate cuddles with Miss Franny. Between the early morning walks in Riverside Park and the late night study sessions, we made West Harlem our new home. We also discovered extra crispy fries at the Bus Stop Diner (a convenient 5 ft from our door). In the summer of 2023, we began our professional careers at WilmerHale (Kevin in transactional, Sandy in litigation). No, we did not plan to be at the same firm. Yes, we get that some of you would never work with your partner. And yes, we disclosed it to HR.

Sandy knew the entire time. But she humored Kevin and may have asked extra-superfluous questions to make him sweat (just a little). Kevin became an amateur meteorologist as he tracked the rain clouds. Finally, he found a 10-minute window to suddenly whisk Sandy away to a "reservation" that he conveniently knew nothing about. There, a friendly local approached us at the pier overlooking Lake Champlain. A self-proclaimed "bourgeoning" photographer, she positioned us perfectly and lifted her professional camera. As Kevin lowered onto one knee, Sandy's first words were, "no, no, no." Despite knowing this very moment was going to happen, she couldn't control her nerves or ugly cry. Neither of us remember what was said afterwards, except for the last resounding, "YES!" Our first celebrations were had at Foam Brewers and Hen of the Wood.