We officially met in 2016 at the local fitness center where we both worked at the time. However, we had crossed paths a few times previously - once before even living in the same state! The universe was working really hard to get us together!

It wasn't until a few years after meeting that we finally began dating. In the first two years of knowing one another, it didn't seem like we had a whole lot in common. So when I (Victoria) developed a crush on John, I knew I'd need to do a little scheming to get this relationship rolling. When finding out that we'd both be in Miami the same weekend - Victoria for a bachelorette party and John for his birthday - I took it upon myself to really "talk up" the bars and clubs that we'd be at to John's friend accompanying him on the trip. My plan was a success - we ended up in the same place at the same time and were able to really talk and get to know one another for the first time. I think we both knew from that first conversation that this was something really special. When returning home from Miami, we made plans to get together to see where this relationship could go. Our first date was to a middle school play (that John's friends' kids were starring in) and then out to Mexican food afterwards. Only two days after that first date, we made our relationship official at an Orioles game on April 22nd, 2018.

Since beginning to date in 2018, life has been one big adventure. We collectively fell in love with traveling, hiking, and camping. Together, we've traveled to 19 states and have visited 13 national parks - with plans to check all states and parks off the list in the future!

John has never been the greatest secret keeper. Throughout our 5 year relationship he's planned plenty of surprises, only to follow them with a "want to know what it is?" So when the phone rang one day and he took the call outside, I knew it wouldn't be long until I heard what was going on. Sure enough, later that day he blurts out "That was a jeweler on the phone, I have an appointment on Monday to design your engagement ring!" Since I am not huge on surprises, this dynamic works out well. After the design appointment, I knew production of the ring would take about 4-6 weeks. So, I made a nail appointment for around the 4 week mark, switched up my usual work from home outfit (that consists of pajamas or gym clothes) for more put together outfits...ya know, just in case. We scheduled a vacation for Sunday, July 31st to a secluded tiny home in Virginia, surrounded by mountains, horses, and peacocks. I kept thinking, "What a BEAUTIFUL setting for an engagement!" As the vacation came nearer, so did the day the ring would be ready. John was giving me daily updates letting me know that the ring wasn't quite ready yet, but soon. On Thursday, I didn't get an update. I did my best not to ask, but right as we were headed to bed I blurted out "is it ready yet?" to which he responded, "Yep, we're all set." I went to bed excited, and confident that I'd be receiving the ring on our vacation just days away. The next morning I woke up around 4:30am, as always, and headed to workout in our basement gym. Around 6am as I was finishing up, I heard John walking around upstairs and got nervous that I had been too loud and woke him up. I finished up and walked upstairs to apologize for waking him. However, when I turned the corner at the top of the stairs I saw John down on one knee, with our cat (Milton) sitting patiently beside him. He asked me to marry him! I was so caught off guard, I can barely remember squealing out a "YES" before running to wash the sweat from my face so I could give him a hug and kiss! In spite of knowing the ENTIRE ring process and having a timeline of when this all would be happening, he managed to completely surprise me! We then were able to enjoy our vacation to the fullest (without me wondering when the moment would come) and celebrate together privately before sharing the happy news with everyone! I wouldn't have wanted it any other way - it was absolutely perfect!