We met the modern way… HINGE! But the story quickly became anything but ordinary. Our “official” first date was originally supposed to be dinner at Del Fuego, a Mexican restaurant. Very normal. Very planned. Except Nick was a little too eager to wait that long, and instead convinced Kate to meet up for a spontaneous Friday night drink at the most romantic spot in Centereach…. McCarthy’s Pub. (If you know it, you know… and if you don’t, let’s just move on) The only catch? Kate came straight from work in her Burgerology uniform. So instead of a perfectly styled first-date outfit, Nick got a very honest introduction to what “real life” looks like for Kate. It set the tone immediately: this wasn’t going to be overly curated or complicated just authentic. From that night on, everything felt easy. Nick was sweet, handsome, and effortlessly good conversation. Nick thought Kate was pretty, outgoing, and the kind of person who makes everything feel lighter. One date always led directly into the next, no guessing, no games just consistency that never needed to be questioned. Looking back, there was never one dramatic “aha” moment. Instead, it was more like a steady realization that grew with every date: we already felt like we knew each other. It never felt like trying it just felt right. Things turned serious in the most natural way possible: meeting each other’s parents on back-to-back nights. Not long after, Nick said “I love you” first and Kate didn’t hesitate to say it right back. Nick proposed at Sagamore Hill, Teddy Roosevelt’s historic home on Long Island. In true Nick fashion, he came prepared… with a full set of Teddy Roosevelt facts to clearly calm his nerves. Did you know Teddy Roosevelt loved dogs which is why Sagamore Hill is dog friendly? Oh and he had asthma! Riveting conversation. Somewhere between the impromptu history tour and getting a little lost trying to find the beach, Kate started to realize something was up. At the perfect spot along the shore, Nick got down on one knee. Waiting nearby was a beautifully set picnic with flowers, champagne, and a hidden photographer capturing it all. The surprises didn’t stop there. Afterward, they arrived at the Northport Hotel to find both of their families waiting to celebrate. Nick even had a nail appointment planned so Kate could have a fresh manicure for the engagement celebration (a detail that says everything you need to know about him) After a quick nap and a very convincing “what do you want to do tonight?” setup, Kate unknowingly walked into one more surprise gathering with close friends and family at a local restaurant. It was personal, incredibly thoughtful and completely us. From a last-minute dive bar first drink (in a Burgerology uniform) to a waterfront proposal filled with Teddy Roosevelt trivia, our story has always been simple at its core: no games, no guessing, just two people who somehow made it feel easy from the very beginning.