If you had told us that the internet led us to this — to us — we probably would’ve laughed. But there we were… a swipe, a match, and suddenly, our world shifted in the best way possible.

At the time, Gaelyn was still in college at Syracuse University, buried in coursework and snow, and AJ, fresh in Montclair State University's education program. We were living completely different lives, but somehow, they aligned in the most unexpected and beautiful way.

For two years, Gaelyn commuted every other weekend from Syracuse to New York City on a Greyhound bus (7 hours each way, might we add) just to see AJ. It was exhausting at times — late nights on buses, early morning train rides — but never once did Gaelyn hesitate. Our weekends were short, but they were ours. And we made the most of them.

Then came 2021 — the year we finally said goodbye to long-distance and hello to our very first apartment in Boonton. It was a cute, one-bedroom that was chaotic and perfect. Adjusting to living with one another and landing "big girl" jobs, right in the middle of all of that — in a completely spontaneous, “why not?” moment — we decided to expand our little family.

That’s when Zoey came into our lives. Our first fur baby. Our wild child. We drove all the way to Stamford, Connecticut to a small pet shop. The sweetest, sassiest reminder that love isn’t always quiet — sometimes it barks, chews your shoes, socks, and molding (not kidding) and cuddles you to sleep.

Boonton was where we became a family of three, but soon, it was time for another change. We packed up our memories and moved to North Arlington, where we’ve been ever since — for the past three amazing years. It’s where life started to feel more settled, more “us.”

And then, in late July 2024, we did something a little crazy. We brought home Pepper, our second pup... and we told no one. It was our little secret — just us and our two girls. Then, when inviting our family and friends over for made-up reasons we surprised them when we opened our bedroom door to two dog crates next to each other!

Zoey and Pepper aren’t just dogs. They’re our babies. Our joy. Our family. We plan our days around them, we laugh because of them, and our home wouldn’t be complete without the sound of their paws echoing on the floors.

Now, we’re house hunting — searching for that next space where our love will keep growing. A place with a backyard for Zoey to lay on the deck (she hates grass) and Pepper to run and have the zoomies, with sunlight for lazy mornings and enough room to expand our family even more.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come — from swiping right to long-distance weekends, to our first apartment, to secret puppies and shared dreams.

But we wouldn’t change a single moment.

Because every part of this journey has led us here. We cannot wait to share our love with our family and friends!