Our story began as two very awkward and nerdy teenagers in the vast halls of Brooklyn Tech. Stephan and I first met in passing outside of our very, very early morning English classes. Steph, the social butterfly, knew me by name. In true Melissa fashion, I had no clue who he was. Fast forward a few years later and we reconnected on the good 'ol interwebs while Steph was deployed. A few years older and wiser, but still very awkward and nerdy. Despite the time difference, we talked all day and night, ad nauseam. When Steph came back from deployment, he surprised me as his first visit back stateside and well, the rest is history. Steph asked me to be his girlfriend in September 2014 while walking the Brooklyn Promenade, just a few miles from Brooklyn Tech. Four years later, we moved into our first apartment together and naturally adopted our first fur baby, Nova. As the old adage goes: move in together, get a dog...get married! Steph had the ring since November of 2019 and waited for exactly the right moment, and when I would least expect it to pop the big question (still can't believe he pulled it off without me knowing), and of course, after receiving my parents’ blessing. On February 15, 2020, Stephan bent the knee and asked me to marry him. Through the best ugly crying face around (sans makeup and complete with chipped nail polish..ugh), I said YES!

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Further to New York's guidelines on large gatherings and weddings, all guests at any wedding reception in New York State are required to take and present a negative COVID-19 test result in order to attend. Social distancing guidelines will continue to be in effect, which has forced us to significantly reduce the size of our wedding. A negative COVID test, either a PCR Test within 72 hours or Rapid Test within 6 hours of the wedding, MUST be presented at the reception venue, or you will be turned away. Alternatively, those who have been vaccinated must have had their second dose 14 days prior to the wedding date. The original vaccine card must be presented (not a photo). At the St. Agnes Cathedral, those who are in the same household or have traveled together, may be seated together. Otherwise, a distance of 6 feet must be maintained when sitting in the same pew. Every other pew will be blocked off to also maintain social distancing. We are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that we are all able to celebrate safely!