“Call on, Dolly!” All credit for these two musical theatre boys coming together, goes to the infamous matchmaker, Dolly Levi. We were cast in the same production of “Hello, Dolly!” at the Welk Resorts Theater. Though we had talked online a bit beforehand (we were going to be roommates with a few others for the show), our initial meeting was onstage at the theater for the first music rehearsal. First impressions: Jacob thought Scott was stand-off-ish, Scott thought Jacob was annoying and talked way too much. Instant chemistry, right? Nonetheless, as we got to know each other throughout the run, our relationship quickly grew from friendship to "showmance" (ew) to, undeniably, something more. As the song says, "it only takes a moment to be loved, a whole life long," and we are both so grateful for our "moment."

Once Hayley & Michael (Jacob's sister and brother-in-law) got married, we both knew all bets were off! We'd surely be engaged soon, likely before the end of the year, and whoever proposed first would receive all praise and glory... so, it was GAME. ON. !!! From that point forward, any date night could be the night. So, one always had to be prepared. Once we got closer to the end of 2020, the pressure was building. We were doing all sorts of cute, wintery date nights: ice skating in Bryant Park, viewing the Rockefeller Christmas tree and lights at Sak's, even a weekend at a snowy AirB&B for our anniversary. Each time, Jacob was stressed and tried to dress perfectly for the occasion, while Scott secretly had the ring and a plan. Christmas morning rolls around, and Jacob thought, "surely, he's not going to propose on Christmas." Little did he know that, after diving through a variety of little treats and treasures, in the toe of his stocking, was the ring. He cried, Scott fumbled over a long-winded speech he'd put way too much thought into... it was simple, and cute, and sappy, and we both looked a hot mess in our Christmas pjs (none of you will EVER see the video evidence of the moment), but at the same time... it was perfect. And that was the "official" beginning of our forever.