May 2, 2021 Our First Date Our beginning started like any other great Covid era love story… by reluctantly turning to online dating. It was not the route either of us wanted to take (in hindsight it was the best decision I ever made). I remember our first conversation was about how we both tore our ACLs (romantic… I know). Talking to each other was effortless before we even met in person. We had an innate connection and we loved to make the other laugh. I would send Ben goofy messages while he was at the gym. He would tell me that he looked ridiculous laughing to himself. I said it was all just a part of my master plan to keep him all to myself. On the other hand, the (initially shy) Ben would get really silly when we messaged late at night. I called it his alter ego. We would stay up for hours talking, until I essentially laughed to sleep. When the day of our first date finally came, I was late… of course. Ben told me that he didn’t know if I was actually going to show up… he will never let me live it down til this day. Masked up, we met up for mini golf and ice cream and the rest was history. Luckily for us, we were each others first and only online date. We consider our first date our dating anniversary. July 19, 2021 Our First Vacation When July came around, I already had planned a trip to Myrtle Beach with my sister and her friend. I think we semi-jokingly talked about him joining us so many times that one day we just decided he would actually go with us. Many people told me, “you’re CRAZY for going on a vacation with this guy you just met”. However, not everyone knew that the month before (only ONE month after knowing each other) we tested positive for Covid. We had to quarantine together in order to not pass it to our families. It was a vulnerable position to be that sick in front of someone so “new”. It was a first glimpse towards “in sickness and in health”. Despite the advice, we went anyways and had an amazing time. Life certainly threw us on a fast track. We did things a bit backwards by having these big life events upfront. But, rather than resisting it, we leaned into it because we knew we had something special from early on. When we came home, we were with each other all the time. From concerts, to apple picking, or just staying home and cooking dinner… these are still our favorite type of things to do together. Ben would stay in Meriden with me, wake up at 5 am (sometimes earlier) to drive to work all the way in Agawam just to make sure we could spend more time together. From the beginning, I was awestruck by his willingness to make “us” work. February 9, 2023 Our Engagement Day We were visiting Myrtle Beach for our second time together. Myrtle Beach is a meaningful place for both of us. We’ve spent lots of time there with our own families previously. By this time, it’s a place that we have started making our own memories together, too. We always enjoy starting our days there by walking on the beach early in the morning. On the first morning of that week long trip, it was a bit chilly but we still decided to take our walk. That’s when Ben got on one knee and popped the question. Just us two on the beach the sunrise. April 6, 2024 Our Wedding Day We are so excited to tie the knot surrounded by our family and friends! We appreciate each and every single one of you and the support you’ve shown us. We are counting down the days until we get to say our I do’s and party with you all as Mr. & Mrs. Rakus!