Shawn was born in Derry, New Hampshire and enjoyed growing up on Big Island Pond, where he would swim & fish in the summer and ice skate in the winter. He graduated from Pinkerton Academy. Shawn is an animal lover, caring for his pet hedgehog and has become best friends with Joe's cat Leo. He loves going horseback riding, figure skating, antiquing, and hosting elegant dinner parties. Shawn has a good-sized Dept 56 Dickens Village that he adds to whenever possible. Shawn collects horse brass, Victorian chairs, and hedgehog memorabilia. He enjoys genealogy - and is looking forward to adding to his Ancestry.com tree after the wedding! Joseph was born in Melrose, Massachusetts and grew up in Londonderry, New Hampshire. He graduated from Londonderry High School. Joe has an amazing pet cat that he is obsessed with. He is a talented piano player and has a vast knowledge of history. Joe has never lost his childhood love of trains and trolleys, and he has a real skill for finding long-forgotten signs of where they used to run. He enjoys the art of hand fans from days of old. Joe is a fantastic cook and is always ready for some ice cream.

"Have you ever tried looking for a pencil? You can never find one. But if stop looking, that's when you do." This is how Joe told Shawn that he could see them being a couple. Our story is not your typical one. We had messaged each other through a dating app several years ago, but never seemed to go anywhere. No matter how many times Shawn planned to go for an early morning run to meet Joe when Joe was opening the Dunkin Donuts he managed, he always overslept, wasn't awake enough for a cold morning run, or the weather refused to cooperate. Our schedules never lined up - some times things just need to fall into place in their own perfect time. Fast forward 2 1/2 years - we finally found time to meet, as life was different for each of us. We realized that we had a lot in common. We both are huge history buffs, enjoy castles and trains, and love animals. We're each musically talented. Joe quickly learned that our mutual friend Robyn was right - Shawn is very funny. Shawn discovered that there's someone who knows even more history facts than he does, and appreciates his love for antiques. We grew close faster than most couples due to the earliest part of our relationship developing when the world was still grappling with the Covid-19 Pandemic. With a lot of places still closed or having strict restrictions, we were provided an opportunity to really talk and get to know one another without much of the distractions of our modern world. A few of our favorite memories include visiting New England castles, watching documentaries and shows like 'Downton Abbey,' 'Bridgerton,' and 'Victoria', exploring historical sites, and having epic dinner parties! We can't wait to celebrate with all of you on the 1st of May!

Directions from Manchester, NH: Approx. 20 minutes Take 1-93 S ramp to NH-101 / Portsmouth/Salem/Boston Take Exit 3 for NH-111 E toward N Salem (.8 miles) Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E 111 / Route 111A / N Salem / Pelham Continue for 16 miles Use any lane to turn left onto NH-111 E (.9 miles) Turn left onto Searles Rd (.3 miles) Follow the signs for Searles Castle Events 23 Searles Rd will be on your left Turn right at fork and pull up into parking lot Directions from Boston, MA: Approx. 35 minutes Turn left onto the 1-93 N Ramp Continue on 1-93 N for 34 miles Take Exit 3 for NH-111E toward N Salem Keep right at the fork, follow signs for NH-111 E/N Salem (110 yards) Merge onto NH-111 (.6 miles) Turn left onto Searles Rd (.3 miles) Follow signs for Searles Castle Events 23 Searles Road will be on the left Turn right at the fork and pull up into parking lot