We're Getting Married!

The story of Sara and Jeff could easily not have been. Filled with “what if’s?” and one big “Why?”, their lives as individuals seemed infinitely unlikely to be joined together. What if Sara never visited New Mexico for her cousin’s Sascha's wedding? What if Jeff never decided to go into nursing? What if Sara never decided to pursue ophthalmology? Why in the world would they both choose to move to Albuquerque, NM, of all places, at nearly the same time?! So, In order for them to have met, they needed a little help from friends, family, and a lot of luck. Sara had fortunately been on a couple of bad dates and was ready to take a break from the scene. However, when her friend Caity insisted that she give it one more shot with a handsome, suave, intelligent, medical intensive care nurse, how could she say no?! Their first date at a local brewery was not, by any means, traditional... but it certainly was beautiful. Sara showed up 30 minutes late, and Jeff was unaware he was supposed to pay for her food and spend half the night speaking with a fake Boston accent. Nevertheless, the night ended with a nervous first kiss and plans to meet again. After a second date at Jeff's brother’s wedding and a year of growing together, they move across the country to take the next step of their lives together in New York City.

Time: December 9th 2017. Setting: First snowfall of the year in New York City. There was much anticipation for the proposal, once Jeff had asked Ray for Sara’s hand in marriage and Carol had entrusted the family’s engagement ring into Jeff’s hands that Thanksgiving. Big secrets are hard to keep hidden in the Anastas tribe, a testament to the love and openness between family members. Sara and Jeff’s upcoming proposal was no exception. It wasn’t a matter of if this engagement was going to happen, but when and where… Back in New York, Sara and Jeff had spent the day appreciating the snow, taking care of some errands, and enjoying the merriment and cheer being spread by hundreds of dress-up Santa Claus’ during the city’s annual Santa-Con. Once the festivities had worn down, Sara and Jeff made their way back to the home that they built together on the 4th floor of a pre-war walk-up apartment building. Unbeknownst to Sara, Jeff had been carrying the engagement ring around all day, eagerly anticipating the most meaningful moment of their lives so far. It was after Sara had prepared for bed and was walking back into their living room where she finds the space adorned with softly lit candles, Jeff in the center of it all, on one knee with the ring in his outstretched hand. That's where you all come in, on September 27th, 2019, where we ask you to join us in celebrating the union of Sara and Jeff!