Kristina's Note - The summer of 2016 was a busy summer. I had just graduated Michigan State University, was applying and interviewing for PA school and Luke was in the first year of his career at AQR Capital and starting his new life in Manhattan. That August, I had planned a weekend trip to visit some friends in NYC, who had then introduced me to their very cool, funny, and just all-around great friend Luke. The whole weekend was filled with great memories and time spent at classic NYC spots like Rosa Mexicano Restaurant, The Bowery Electric, and The Delancey. The next few weeks were filled with texts, calls, FaceTimes, SnapChats and then eventually a first date at Elie's Mediterranean Grill in Birmingham, MI on October 7th, 2016. We spent hours chatting the night away about our families, friends, dogs, sports teams, and mutual love for Moscow Mules. That weekend was the start of our long-distance love story, and the following months were spent flying back and forth to spend time with each other and our families! At that time, I was applying to PA schools all across the US, and despite wherever I could have ended up, Luke was there to support me unconditionally. It was in November 2016 that I had received the phone call that I was accepted into Long Island University's PA program in NYC. It is safe to say that at that moment, the stars aligned and the rest is history!

Luke's Note - It seems cliché, but ever since I first met Kristina on the corner of E. 18th St. & 3rd Ave I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. The days, weeks, months and years following flew by so quickly. From Eagles games at the Linc, to trips to Spain and Ireland, to weekdays watching Jeopardy together – our love always felt so easy. Although, our engagement ended up being anything but easy! I always knew that I wanted to propose to Kristina once she graduated from PA school. In Feb 2020, she was graduated and a month away from starting her career. I excitedly told my family my plan, bought the engagement ring and started thinking of when I finally would be able to propose. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and all plans were thrown out the window. Months went by as Kristina fought the pandemic on the frontlines in NYC. After months of waiting, I couldn’t wait any longer! I decided that Memorial Day was the perfect weekend for us to finally get engaged. I had it all planned out – Kristina worked Friday night, she would sleep Saturday morning, then we would take a walk in Central Park. I had scouted out the perfect place in Central Park to ask her, Gapstow Bridge. I also had asked my Groomsman, Ryan Hickey, to hide and take pictures. It was perfect! In true 2020 fashion, Saturday May 23rd was an absolute downpour. Kristina came back after her night shift and immediately told me “I know you wanted to walk in Central Park today but we are absolutely NOT going in this weather. Just let me sleep.” I protested but realized that there was no changing her mind. After letting her sleep (only about 3 hrs - I was too excited to let her sleep any longer), I convinced her that I wanted to show her some "new furniture" that was just added to our rooftop. She reluctantly walked up with me in her PJs, during a rainstorm, and I proposed. Although it wasn’t close to how I pictured us getting engaged, it was perfect and the happiest day of our lives.