We are getting married!

On a summer night in the best city in the world—Tallahassee, Florida—we found ourselves on the shared balcony of our townhomes on Madison Street. What kicked off as a simple invitation to Potbelly's quickly transformed into an unforgettable late-night with Elliot, his lively roommates, and my roommates. We shared laughter and stories, and we haven’t stopped talking from that moment on!

After graduating from Florida State University, our lives took us in different directions—Elliot back to Winter Park, and me to Miami Shores. For nearly two years, our routine revolved around FaceTime calls, as weekends transformed into mini-adventures filled with visits to one another. We explored each other’s hometowns, but our travels didn’t stop there; we frequently found ourselves in Jupiter and Palm Beach or enjoying the serene vibes at Lake Placid. A huge shoutout goes to Elliot's sister, Olivia, my bridesmaid, for always opening her doors and giving us a cozy place to crash in Palm Beach County! And, of course, Aunt Jackie deserves a special mention for showing us a fantastic time at the lake. Their unwavering support, and many others, made our bond stronger than ever. The goodbyes were always bittersweet, except for that last weekend in March 2024. That one was different because I was gearing up for an exciting move north to Orlando in mid-April. It wasn't just a shift in location or occupation—it was the start of a brand new chapter with Elliot by my side.

On December 27, 2023, Elliot and I kicked off the day with a round of golf at Metro West Golf Course. After our game, we rushed home to prepare for a Christmas work party Elliot's family attended (as they had done in the previous years). As I was putting the finishing touches on my outfit, an unexpected panic swept through the house. Elliot called out my name and said “Buddy has a raccoon in his mouth!” I was taken aback; after all, raccoons are typically nocturnal creatures. My heart raced as I darted toward the door leading to the backyard. But then, just before stepping outside, something caught my eye. A beautiful pathway created from rose petals in shades of red, pink, and white, illuminated by scattered candles that flickered softly. A wave of emotion washed over me as I took it all in, completely unaware that my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Alexa (Ali), was quietly crouched nearby, capturing the moment on camera. As Elliot began to speak, I was in a daze, completely absorbed in the moment and ultimately blacking out from the overwhelming joy. Thankfully, Ali was there to record what happened next. For those curious, Buddy wasn’t actually facing a raccoon; he was just having a fun little zoomie moment! And without a moment’s hesitation, I said yes!

I’d like to expand on the "How We Overcame Long Distance" paragraph a bit. Lake Placid, Florida, emerged as the perfect halfway point for our long-distance adventures, nestled conveniently two hours and twenty minutes from Miami Shores and Winter Park. This charming little town holds a special place in my heart, as my mom's parents, affectionately known as Nana and Grandpa Aten, purchased a quaint home there when she was just a little girl. For that, I am forever grateful to them. Allow me to share some fascinating details about Lake Placid, particularly for those who might not be familiar. In 2012, it earned the title of America’s Most Interesting Town, a testament to its unique charm and vibrant community. Known as the Caladium Capital of the World, it showcases stunning fields of these vividly colored plants. Additionally, it's celebrated as the Town of Murals, featuring an impressive collection of 42 murals that bring the local history and culture to life through breathtaking artwork. Elliot quickly fell for my beloved Mayberry town, and we are both thrilled to introduce you to this destination that holds so many cherished memories for us.