We met at Rutgers University almost a decade ago, in the most quintessential college way - at a party (sorry, parents!). Getting to know each other, we quickly discovered we grew up less than 10 minutes apart, both love takeout and TV date nights, and we equally match one another's awkwardness. Through mutual friends, we hung out regularly on the weekends until Andrew finally plucked up the courage to ask Shirlee out for our first date at a local diner. Even though Andrew got us lost on the way to dinner... we haven't stopped dating each other since 💛

After years of dating, countless life milestones together, and tons of adventures, the conversation of engagement was... abundant. While we've known for a while that we planned to spend our lives together, it was another thing altogether to actually take the step forward. We had an upcoming trip to Italy planned, and it was assumed (by quite literally everyone) this would be the time Andrew would ask. In the week leading up to our vacation, Andrew was acting somewhat unusual, but awkward isn't rare in our home ;) On the unassuming Thursday evening before our trip, Shirlee came home late from the grocery store. It wasn't until she walked in the door to their apartment to see a bouquet of roses and a very nervous Andrew lighting candles that she realized.. oh! tonight is the night! The reaction was naturally total panic, as she pretended nothing out of the ordinary was happening, and started putting groceries away. Finally Andrew convinced her to step away from the fridge (this is a real story, folks.), where he very simply and beautiful asked THE question. After the predictable tears from Shirlee followed, we celebrated with cheap champagne and BBQ at our favorite local joint. It wasn't Italy, but it was certainly our story and it was perfect!