In the summer of 2015 we were both living in New York City, both in Manhattan, both in Hells Kitchen, only two blocks away from each other. While we may have crossed paths 100 times on the streets, in the grocery store, or the local coffee shop it took the magic of a dating app for us to meet. Our first date took place right in our neighborhood and the connection was immediate. Jill came in a perfectly paired outfit (thanks to the help of best friend, Vic), and Ryan came from improv practice (shout out to Panic! At Del Frisco's). After sharing a drink we went to take a waterfront stroll along the Hudson. Being all cute, we decided to carefully climb over the rail to sit right along the edge of the pier. Next thing we know we are being reprimanded by a park patrol officer for our risky choice. Jill's defense? "We were just trying to be romantic, please don't give us a ticket!" It didn't work and we both got tickets for trespassing. I guess you can legitimately call us "Partners in Crime." After that, we saw each other back to back to back. It wasn't long until we realized life was just better when we were doing it together. And so the adventure continued!

It's hard to plan a surprise when you're living and working together during a state of lockdown in a one bedroom apartment. But even a global pandemic didn't stop Ryan from going for it! The proposal took place on our five year anniversary. We had planned to take a small getaway down to Corona Del Mar under the ruse that our friend Casey needed our help. She desperately "needed a couple to help her friend build her photography portfolio." To some, this might seem like a dead giveaway, but since Casey had asked for help like this in the past it made for the perfect cover up. So there we are, beautified and ready to get our pictures taken. We head to Little Corona Beach at sunset and there's a full set up on the beach of blankets and candles and pillows. There's also a photographer asking us to pose and to hurry before the tide comes in. Sit down, stand up, face away from each other, turn back in.... and then a whisper from Ryan to Jill, "are you ready?" Cue the tears. Ryan is on his knee, Jill is overwhelmed with emotion. Of course it was a "yes!" A very special thank you to Casey for playing along and getting us to this romantic location. Another huge thank you to Kelsey and Christian for setting up the most romantic picnic on the beach and remembering to bring the champagne.