We really have our friends to thank for this. We wouldn't have met if it weren't for them. If Yuri's friends didn't know Matt's friends and happen to invite us both out onto that lake in New York on that beautiful summer's afternoon, we wouldn't be writing this. We only chatted for a few minutes that day, but something special was there. We shared some stories and some laughs, and I think we both left hoping to see each other again. Our first date came shortly after this chance meeting. Then the next. Then the next. Then Yuri had to pack up her things and move to North Carolina. We did something we would grow all too accustomed to... had a long distance relationship. That was eight years ago. Looking back, we both feel the exact same way we did that summer afternoon in 2013. Curious, excited and wanting more.

Hi everyone, Matt here. I had the perfect proposal planned out. It couldn't have been any more story book... Let's just say things did not go as planned. Yuri and I were staying at a 13th century castle in Ireland that had the most beautiful grounds. Rolling hills and mountains, a lake, you name it. I worked in secret with the hotel to plan a private walking tour for the two of us. We would stop at the most beautiful place there, and I would get down on one knee and propose. The tour guide would capture this magical moment and we'd hang this photo over the mantle. Well, food poisoning had other plans for me... I woke up the morning of the proposal the sickest I've ever been. Yuri wouldn't even come within 12 feet of me. It was terrible. I had to cancel the walking tour. I was feverishly texting her friends and my friends about how my perfect proposal was ruined. After about 12 hours I was starting to feel better. And decided, ok, now is the time. We took a walk around the grounds, I tried to walk towards some people to ask them for a photo of Yuri and I so that I could propose. Yuri said, "There are people over there, let's go this way!" and there went my opportunity. We went back to the hotel for some tea. I needed to regroup and figure out my next move. I placed my jacket down on a chair and, for some reason, Yuri sat right on top of it. She. Sat. Right. On. Top. Of. The. Engagement. Ring. Box. I didn't know this at the time, but, she felt it and knew EXACTLY what it was. She didn't say anything. She kept her cool and had me go on thinking she had no idea that I was planning to propose. I ended up proposing to her in our hotel room. Probably for the best because I am a very ugly cryer. It wasn't the perfect proposal, but it's ours. And the story is really fun to tell at parties.