As Claire was leaving the Northeastern Convocation event, she ran into an Orientation Leader she had befriended who told her she should audition for his a cappella group, Distilled Harmony. You may have guessed but that very Orientation Leader was Brian McCarthy, Steve's brother! Steve was the Music Director at the time and once Claire got into the group the rest was history!

Despite not being in a "defined" relationship, Claire and Steve quickly began spending almost all of their free time together, especially after he adopted the cutest chunk of cat Thor! This went on for 3 years and even though it was obvious to everyone else, it still wasn't clear to Steve and Claire that they were going to be together forever.

After 3 years of exclusively "hanging out," Steve and Claire finally accepted reality and said the big L! This was Claire's final year at Northeastern, Steve had just started full time with Sam Adams, and everything seemed perfect! When she went abroad for 5 weeks, the relationship was stretched long distance, but as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

After an unexpected stint of unemployment after graduation, Claire moved in with Steve at his apartment in Somerville, which was already fully occupied with 3 people in 3 bedrooms, and 3 existing cats! Thankfully the living situation still remained at the 1:1 ideal cat ratio with Claire bringing Pandora, but it was certainly a cramped few months!

Once Claire found her place in the conservation world, Steve and Claire made the jump from Somerville to Jamaica Plain! It was a quick commute for Steve (2 minutes walking!) and not so bad for Claire, and it the perfect opportunity to make their first home together without any roommates. The cats were pretty happy to have more space as well!

After 7 years of dating, Steve and Claire took a trip to the most adorable cabin in Vermont for an anniversary trip! Steve did an amazing job of keeping a very big secret and surprised Claire with an incredibly heartfelt proposal that was perfect. Not to mention the ring!!!! Which for those who don't know, Steve designed all on his own and got it absolutely right! The weekend alone in the woods was just the right way for these two nature lovers to celebrate getting to spend the rest of their lives together! Then it was just time to plan a wedding. We are so excited to be able to celebrate with you all!!!