Alex and Crystal originally met through a mutual friend back in 2010, and it wasn't until years later that their paths crossed again. It took Crystal a little bit to realize who Alex was after all that time and Alex stubbornly maintains the story that he initiated conversation with her, and she responded with "How do you know my name?” (He can stop acting insulted though, because, spoiler alert, they end up together) For a couple years after that they ran into each other on occasion, and found themselves talking more in summer of 2017 but somehow, they kept missing each other at group events. Finally in the fall they were in the same place at the same time, Bunker Brewing happy hour. Credit, or perhaps blame, can go to Andy Crouter for his weird ‘would you rather scenarios’ that kept the conversation and laughter flowing within the group. This impromptu night changed their trajectories, and they soon became a duo. Friends knew it was official when he invited her to Pizza Friday with his family. They spent the next year trying different wines (and learning how to wash red wine out of clothing), eating gelato, playing board games with friends, and trying to get Crystal to stay awake during Alex’s favorite animated movies. About a year into dating, Crystal crossed the bridge and officially became a South Portland resident. A few years later, through some difficult life events and a worldwide pandemic, they found themselves celebrating Thanksgiving dinner just the two of them. While they were sad to be without their respective families, they both realized they were becoming a family themselves and this was solidified when Alex proposed mid-meal. Crystal has no memory of what he said in that proposal because once she realized what was happening, she covered her face and cried. Time passed, the pandemic lasted way longer than expected and so wedding planning remained on hold. Fast forward to January 2022 when the duo became a trio, welcoming Max to the world. Life got busy in the greatest way possible! Now they spend their days caring for an energetic toddler and figured why not make life a little busier and plan a wedding. Alex and Crystal are beyond excited to get all their favorite people together in one place, looking fancy, and acting ridiculous as they finally GET MARRIED!