We went to high school together, but didn't get together until 2019. We spoke occasionally over the years since high school - running into each other in the grocery store, texting about plans to go out with friends that never worked out. Danielle was living in New York City. Travis was living in San Jose. Danielle came back to SJ for the holidays in 2018 and we had plans with a large group of friends to go out for New Year's Eve. We happened to be with a small group of mutual friends before joining the big group and we were having a blast from the start. The night continued on with chatting and laughter and dancing. When the night out was over, our small group went back to the same house and we spent the rest of the night up talking about everything and nothing. Travis was the first one to say he felt like there was something there. Danielle was skeptical. Danielle went back to NYC and almost two months later, after talking every day, Travis flew out for his first visit (of many). We had to see if that spark was still there and decide whether to take on the challenge of long distance. We had our first official date at Barbuto, a beautiful little Italian spot in downtown Manhattan. We followed it with dessert at Magnolia's and drinks at a bar in Harlem. Travis even added an extra day to his trip. We were smitten. We started exchanging letters, and by we we mean Travis sent four letters in the first month after his visit! It was perfection. Travis then visited NYC twice before Danielle booked a five month gig in New Hampshire. He flew out two more times and we met up once in Boston and the following time he came out to NH to see the glory that was Danielle in a cat suit (meow-meow). The whole time, we were writing each other letters, Travis was sending care packages to get Danielle through her contract. At the end of the contract, Danielle booked another gig that took her back to San Jose and we used that time to get to know each other's families. After only about six months into the relationship, Travis said he wanted to move to NYC so we didn't have to do long distance, so we felt we had to get the time in with our people. We are eternally grateful for the few months we got to spend with everyone and felt so lucky to be surrounded by loving and supportive families and friends. In January 2020 (we know - woof), after an emotional going away party, we flew back to NYC and found our home. I went back to work, Travis found a new job, and all seemed well. Then March 2020 happened. You know. We went from long distance, to living together, to LIVING TOGETHER. Our one bedroom apartment became our world. We were there for each other through all the highs and low lows that the pandemic threw at us and came out stronger for it. We could not have gotten through it without one another. In early 2021, we scooped up a little kitty in CA and brought her back to NY. Our sweet Willow has brought so much light into our lives. We have spent over three years in the same apartment, living and loving our city and the people (and the kitty) that bring us joy. At the end of 2021/start of 2022 we both turned 30. Travis had a gift in store for Danielle that relied on warmer weather: a long walk from the tippity top of Manhattan to the tippity bottom of Manhattan. We spent the day recreating silly moments from Broad City (one of our all time favorite shows together). There was never a full day that felt more like us. When we reached Battery Park, the sun starting its descent, Travis tricked Danielle into thinking one more photo was being taken, but really he was bending the knee. With so many tears and laughter we were engaged!!!