Our story begins in Freedom, New Hampshire over 10 years ago as counselors at Camp Calumet. We spent three summers on staff together playing games of capture the flag, leading hikes and canoe trips and singing around the campfire. We established lifelong bonds with our fellow counselors and individually - became best friends. Once summer came to an end and we entered ‘the real world’, it was easy to stay in touch, living only a few miles from each other down Route 109. We always made time. Abby later attended Westfield State University to study special education, Eric headed to the University of Vermont to study business. 100’s of miles apart we found ways to spend quality time those first few years of college. Whenever we found ourselves back home, we wouldn’t miss the opportunity for a coffee date. Best friends. But nothing romantic, seriously. Abby had just graduated and was preparing to begin her teaching career in the fall. Eric had just returned from a semester abroad and was starting an internship in Boston. This was the summer when things changed. Legal Harborside (where we still go once a summer) was the scene of our first date. It was just like our coffee dates back in high school, but with a big elephant in the room- is this for real? We both knew if we were going to make this official it wasn’t some fling - we could see our future together already. It might have been easier to continue on as friends- don’t rock the boat. Eric was heading back to school and had his whole senior year ahead. Long distance, right away? So we left that night a little hesitant about the year ahead. But we texted, just about every day after that. Who are we kidding - we both knew this was meant to be. In October of 2019, we made it official! The next 7 months Abby spent many, many hours on Greyhound buses to and from Burlington Vermont. We made it work. Eric graduated and eventually we both started living with friends in Boston, and growing in our relationship. We introduced each other to our favorite places. In the winter, we ski at Sugarloaf with the Donovans. In the summer, we go to the beach in Popponesset with the Viles. We’re so grateful to have these two places, both centered on family and filled with memories, where we are constantly surrounded by loved ones. In 2022, we decided it was time to move in, and we started renting in Dorchester. Everything was fitting together perfectly, and we knew it was time to take the next big leap- Eric started looking at rings. Shockingly- he was able to keep these plans under wraps until the very moment he was getting down on one knee. A secret trip to New York City to secure the ring, a secret dinner with Abby’s parents, and countless phone calls between Eric and our mothers to make sure every detail was perfectly planned for the proposal day. On the morning of July 2, 2023- Eric woke up unreasonably early and got dressed in a button down shirt. Abby was tired, and confused at this behavior. It was July 4th weekend, so the house was full and everyone knew what’s about to take place - except for Abby. Just as we’ve done hundreds of times Eric asked “want to take a walk down the beach”? Everyone was in their place (paparazzi in the bushes, our families waiting around the sea wall.) She says yes, and everyone pops out of hiding to cheer us on- it was perfect. Now we’ve gotten to experience the excitement of planning this wedding alongside our amazing parents. We’re looking forward to starting our next chapter, and blessed to be able to kick it off with all of you!