Andrew and Katherine met briefly, about 9 years ago, in New York while Andrew was attending Fordham University. At school, he became close friends with one of Katherine's best friends from middle/high school (Karen Hill Crowell) . One night while Katherine was in town visiting Karen at Fordham, Karen invited Andrew to hang out with them. Katherine and Andrew each remembers thinking the other was cute and funny, but did not think much else of their meeting. A few years later, in early 2016, Karen texted Katherine one day and asked if she wanted to go on a double date with Karen, Karen's now-husband Cam, and Andrew, in New York. Katherine was living at home in Maryland to save money before attending law school, but agreed, figuring it would be fun to spend a weekend in New York. A few weeks later, the four went out to dinner, and Katherine and Andrew instantly hit it off. Even though everyone ended up with food poisoning from their dinners, Katherine and Andrew nevertheless knew that they wanted to see each other again soon.

After their first date in New York, Andrew and Katherine continued to talk regularly. Soon after Katherine got home to Maryland, Andrew suggested that he visit DC for a weekend in February. Even though it was absolutely freezing when he arrived, he nevertheless had a big date planned, including brunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, the Spy Museum, the Newseum, a walk on the Mall, and more. When Katherine picked him up at his hotel (the Mandarin), he had a big bouquet of flowers for her. Katherine was so impressed and a bit giddy with excitement. That day they nearly froze to death in 15 degree weather; walking all over DC but had the best time they could have ever imagined. They walked 12 miles all around the city and were exhausted by the end of the day. After dinner they decided that the following day, instead of visiting more museums, they would relax at the Mandarin and go to the pool. On her ride home, Katherine had all the butterflies and was so excited that she could barely sleep. She woke up early and drove back to the Mandarin. Not even 2 hours after arriving at the hotel, a completely unexpected ice storm hit and there was no way Katherine could safely make it home. What could have been a super awkward "can-I-stay-even-though-this-is-our-second-date" situation was honestly one of the best days of either of their lives. They spent the whole day at the Mandarin relaxing in the pool, ordering room service, and watching old Park and Recs episodes. Katherine and Andrew were already so comfortable with each other that they felt like they had been together for years. Soon after that visit, the two began dating seriously, and Andrew moved down to DC. Since then, Andrew and Katherine have spent every anniversary at the Mandarin Oriental in DC and have even visited other Mandarin hotels, as well. The hotel is such a special place for the couple because it is where they shared their first kiss, fell in love, and have continued to celebrate that love.

On the afternoon of November 3rd, 2018, Katherine was studying (as usual), but Andrew suggested she take a break to go for a walk on the C&O canal with Lucy, their puppy. It was a perfect fall day, so Katherine agreed and even admitted that she could use the fresh air. As the two were walking, Andrew started saying things like "When are we going to get married?" But then he said: "When are we going to get engaged?" Katherine looked at him in a very puzzled way and said: "Well, when you ask me..." to which he replied: "What about right now?" The next thing she knew he was on one knee, and Katherine was jumping up and down. She literally could not contain her excitement. The two were both smiling from ear to ear. Andrew and Katherine (and Lucy) then went over to Katherine's parent's house, who were waiting for them with some bubbly. Andrew had asked her parents the day before and told them the plan. Katherine's mom said she couldn't sleep all night because she was so excited. Afterwards, Andrew told Katherine that they had a reservation at Le Diplomate, which is where they had gone on anniversary dates. He also said that they had a suite at the Mandarin for that night. It was truly a magical experience. Andrew and Katherine are both so happy for everything to come and to spend forever with each other. Their relationship has filled their lives with so much love, laughter, and happiness!