It all started with a first date at Independence Beer Garden in Old City in 2022. Sophia was a somewhat new resident of Philly and still learning to navigate the city. Brendan, a native of New Jersey, was commuting to the city from Cherry Hill for work everyday. Luckily the fate of the dating apps brought them together. On their first date they talked for hours about everything from reality tv to their families. And from there, their relationship blossomed. In the early days of their relationship they spent their weekends exploring the city together. Sophia lived in Washington Square West, so Brendan would take the PATCO from Cherry Hill to the 12/13 Locust stop, which was right across the street from Sophia’s apartment. It was perfect. As their relationship progressed they took their first big trip together to San Antonio and Austin, TX and introduced each other to their friends and family. Since then, their friends and family have embraced Sophia and Brendan as a couple and have welcomed them both into their lives. For Brendan, this has meant trips to Harrisburg and Centre Hall, PA to visit Sophia’s family. And Sophia has become a Jersey frequent with many trips to Turnersville and Cherry Hill. In 2024 Brendan packed a U-Haul and moved into Sophia’s apartment in Society Hill. While their first home together is just a small one bedroom apartment, the cozy little space in their favorite Philly neighborhood will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Living in Society Hill has been a nonstop adventure of long walks after work on Front Street, grabbing drinks at the Twisted Tail with friends and having an Acme so conveniently close to their apartment that they stop in to grab a couple of things multiple times a day. On a rainy Saturday in June of 2025, Sophia thought she was going to an event with friends at the Rodin Sculpture Garden. There she was shocked to find Brendan waiting to propose. Following the proposal they celebrated the start of their engaged lives with friends and family at Fat Moon, their favorite karaoke bar. The celebration will forever be a memorable day for Sophia and Brendan since it was full of their favorite things: singing Wicked and cheesesteak egg rolls. Wedding planning has been both hectic and wonderful as Sophia and Brendan prepare to officially be husband and wife. Getting married on October 31 will be memorable for many reasons, especially since it is the same date of Sophia’s parents' wedding. They are so excited to celebrate the special day with everyone in their lives and cannot wait to see where the future will take them together.