Sydney and Shomar were both born and raised in The Bronx, NY. They had similar experiences growing up; both went to the same local places as kids with their parents, both had the same kind of birthday parties at New Roc City, and both attended Bronx Catholic high schools (she having attended The Academy of Mount St. Ursula and he having attended Mount St. Michael Academy). Fast forward to September 2013 at SUNY Purchase in Purchase, NY. Sydney and Shomar both attended this school; she was a freshman and he was a senior. It was here where they officially met at a party. They still didn't quite know each other, but due to overlapping circles of friends, they were able to often exchange a quick hello between classes or at parties and events. In summer of 2017, after having graduated from Purchase, Sydney was beginning her journey in a Master's Program at Hunter College. After receiving a Facebook invite for an event, she noticed a familiar name on the invite list - Shomar! They saw one another at this event and were able to finally have a full conversation for the first time. Despite being intrigued by one another, they did not see or speak to each other again until March 2018. After a few small Instagram interactions here and there, Sydney decided to put matters into her own hands...by sliding into his DM's. Shomar was delighted and saw this as his opportunity to finally connect. From this moment on, they have not gone a single day without speaking. They had their first date in April 2018, where he took her to a Thai Restaurant in St. Mark's Place, followed by drinks at Barcade. The connection that they both felt was strong and they quickly fell in love. In January 2024, Shomar proposed to Sydney at the Yonkers Waterfront in Yonkers, NY, marking the official intention to spend the rest of their lives together. In their almost 7 years together, they have lived in two apartments together, adopted their 2 cats (Astro & Pluto), survived a pandemic, traveled the world together, spent many weekends in the Hudson Valley exploring breweries and wineries, and have had many naps on the couch. They are looking forward to evolving together, going on more travel adventures, taking more naps, and expanding their family in the future!