HOW WE MET

Just like Rihanna, we found love in a hopeless place... a dating app. Meeting up with a stranger can go wrong in a million different ways, (Sorry Mom!) but luckily, neither of us turned out to be serial killers. Instead, we played games, watched movies, took drives, and laughed (a lot) ... for 3 days in a row. Needless to say, our connection was undeniable.

OUR FIRST DATE

We had our first date in Center City Philadelphia. Our first stop was 30th Street Station where our train dropped us off. Only, we didn't have much time before we had to be at the art museum, and we were hungry! We decided we would share spicy chicken nuggets from Wendy's, and a greek salad from Au Bon Pain (because you know, balance). We look around and realize there is NOWHERE to sit. So, what do we do? The two of us look at each other, shrug, and decided to eat sitting down on the floor. Our first meal together was shared on the floor of 30th Street station. So romantic!

After our five-star lunch, we went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, that is where our engagement photos were taken!). As a Philadelphia native, Anna loved showing Kate around since she hadn't been before. We both share a love for museums and read EVERYTHING (yes, we're those people), so we were there for hours. On the ride home we made up our secret handshake that we still use to this day!

OUR FIRST KISS

Picture this: You're taking out the trash when it starts to rain, your partner pulls you back outside and starts to slow dance. The romance is palpable. You say, "We need some music." They reply, "I've got you." Then, all of a sudden, she starts to sing the classic ballad, "Drop It Like It's Hot." Just like the movies!

LONG DISTANCE

When we met, Kate was beginning her final year of college at Penn State in State College and Anna was living in Wilmington, DE. That meant a 4 to 7 hour bus ride for Anna, or a 3 hour drive for Katelyn. So, that was what we did! For a year, traveled to see each other at least once every other weekend.

Once Kate graduated, she moved back to Allentown and Anna was still in Delaware. We were now a 1.5 hour drive or 2 hour bus ride away. We made the round trip at least once a week. We did this for another year. You read that right! That's 2 whole years as a long distance couple.

In April 2023, Anna moved to Allentown where we now live together with our child (cat), Stevie!

ANNA'S PROPOSAL TO KATE

Thursday, February 16th, 2023, Anna told Kate that they were going out to a fancy dinner to celebrate their anniversary and Valentine's Day. After banishing Kate to the bathroom to get ready, Anna led her downstairs blindfolded, and sat her down with her mom. While Anna snuck away, Kate watched a video Anna made of the two of us (that gave a pretty good hint to what was going on 😉). A very shocked Kate was led to the backyard where she walked down a path of family and close friends, each giving her a rose. After stumbling and sobbing through some words, Anna asked and Kate said yes! They enjoyed the rest of the night with champagne and catered Chick-fil-A. Super fancy.

Fun fact: Anna had the ring in her jacket pocket during the Super Bowl and planned to propose to Kate if the Eagles won...needless to say, the ring stayed in her pocket.

KATE'S PROPOSAL TO ANNA

Katelyn always knew she wanted to propose to Anna, even if Anna beat her to it. So, a few months later, Kate takes Anna on a sunset picnic at Trexler Nature Preserve (if you know, you know). Kate made one of her infamous charcuterie boards, so we ate cheese and crackers until the sky turned orange.

Katelyn then pulled out a (very cheesy) handwritten note that she read to Anna and ended with the infamous, one-kneed question. We popped champagne, laughed, and cried... a lot. 🥲