In August of 2021, Laura went to San Diego to visit her cousin, Abby. Abby had just moved from New Jersey to San Diego and Laura was about to start grad school in September, so they both cleared their schedules to spend two weeks together on the West Coast. While she was in San Diego, Laura reached out to her old coworker, Havana, who had also just moved to the area. Laura and Havana interned together in Florida right after they graduated from college. Both being from New Jersey, they kept in touch after the internship ended. Laura thought it would be a great idea to introduce Abby to Havana. Abby and Havana were both new to San Diego and were eager to meet new people. Abby played in a beach volleyball league on Tuesday nights. Laura invited Havana to come watch Abby's volleyball game, and suggested grabbing drinks after. Havana agreed to come, and showed up to the volleyball game with her new roommate, AJ. AJ and Havana had met on Facebook, and moved into an apartment together with a third roommate earlier that same week. Laura and AJ talked on the sidelines of the game, joining with Havana as they cheered on Abby and her team. At the end of the game, the group went out for drinks. Laura was last to arrive at the restaurant (of course) and when she did, the only seat open at that very long table was the one across from AJ. Laura and AJ talked and laughed all night, then exchanged phone numbers before leaving the restaurant. The following months were filled with many flights to and from San Diego for both Laura and AJ. When AJ's 4 years of service in the Navy were up, he moved back home to Pennsylvania, shortening their long distance from 6 hours by plane to 1.5 hours by car. And the rest of their story? Well, that’s why you’re here celebrating with us. Almost 5 years to the day since that one beach volleyball game in San Diego.