Abby and Philip met in San Diego, California, on a brisk February day in 2023. Philip and his friend Caden were on the prowl for a good burrito. They had invited their friend, Preston, who would soon be wed to his now dear wife, Reece.

When invited, Preston said, "Oh man, I totally would, but we already ate. I'm with Reece and her cousin. She came down for wedding dress shopping for the weekend. We're gonna go hit up an ice cream spot if you boys wanna join."

Philip and Caden could not turn down an offer such as ice cream. As they started to walk towards the ice cream shop, they ran into the crew. Philip was immediately taken aback by Abby's piercing blue eyes and bright smile. Her luscious brown hair was waving in the chill winter breeze. Abby noticed Philip's smile and friendly nature and instantly found him VERY attractive. Preston began introducing the future couple; Abby was confused about his name. Was it Chuck? How Preston had addressed him, or Philip? What he had said when he shook Abby's hand. Ultimately, she decided on Philip Anthony. Throughout the night, there was some flirtatious banter, and jokes were made where their attraction for the other person grew.

The following day, the gang went to church together, followed by a group lunch. The future couple's interest in one another grew throughout the smiling, laughing, and joking.

Two days later, they went on their first date.

Their first date consisted of a rigorous hike through the hills of Chula Vista and a dinner at the delicious "Cava" establishment, which consisted of Philip asking questions but losing himself in Abby's eyes. As usual, Abby gave long, drawn-out answers, laughed at Philip's jokes, and suggested extending the date to get a world-famous Pizookie. By the end of their date, they both knew that there was much more going on between them.

Abby left San Diego the following day to go home; little did they know that was the first of many airport send-offs and goodbyes.

Being that Abby is in the Air Force and Philip is in the Navy, they talked about how they would navigate a long-distance relationship. They discussed the challenges that would come given their circumstance; however, they chose to take those challenges head-on together.

All leading up to December 30th, 2023, when Philip proposed and Abby said yes.

-Philip Chuckerel