Written by Daniel Goldsmith

Our story begins during a time when we least expected to find love. What started as two strangers brushing shoulders on a crowded rooftop, led to a lifetime of laughs and happiness among two like-minded individuals.

Dan and Andrea's journey together started on a hot summer afternoon in June of 2020, a result of 3 months of quarantine and a lot of repressed desire to return to a social lifestyle, led the two to a rooftop lounge in Stamford, CT. Eager for some escapism, Dan and Andrea quickly bonded over how awkward some individuals behaved after months of staying inside. What started as a few laughs, quickly turned into a conversation about how the world felt different, yet familiar. Dan's views on enjoying life as it was meant to be enjoyed, resonated with Andrea - a common theme they share to this day.

Dan and Andrea learned early on, they both shared a love for coastal beach towns, and lobster rolls (hot, never cold). An early date involved the two traveling up Connecticut's coast to a shanty lobster shack, to try the highest rated lobster rolls in Connecticut. Not only were the rolls a hit, but it has became a spot that Dan and Andrea continue to travel back to time after time again.

Coastal living has become a motif in their relationship, making it a point to frequent their favorite seaside towns, such as Montauk, NY and Mystic, CT. It was the shared passion for sandy shores, laid back living, and nautical clothing style, that helped Dan and Andrea forge a life long bond.

Continuing their love for coastal cities, Dan and Andrea made the mutual decision to move to Charleston, South Carolina early in 2022, honoring a discussion they both had on their first date regarding always wanting to live in a new city. Charleston has given the two the chance to experience a new way of life, filled with culture and the arts, while retaining things they love such as great food and fine wines.

As time progressed, so too did the desire to plan the perfect proposal to Andrea. How exactly would that look? In a world of seemingly endless possibilities - one scenario kept coming to mind. Enter Mystic, CT! To get the plan to work, Dan planned a weekend getaway in November to Mystic, to experience the familiar sites of New England's fall foliage. Upon arriving to Mystic, Dan insisted he and Andrea should take a walk along the scenic Mystic river park. An unsuspecting Andrea jumped at the opportunity to take in the sites of her favorite town. Once the perfect spot was found, Dan stopped for a quick photo of he and Andrea, only to surprise her by getting down on one knee and asking her to be his lifelong partner. Joining in on the surprise of a lifetime, Andrea's sister Olivia, and Dan's best friend Sergio revealed themselves from behind nearby bushes, camera in hand - capturing the greatest 'yes' ever to be said in Mystic.