It was Veteran's Day 2018, Wes was at Cathedral Station in Boston with a group of friends. Dalton, having just finished brunch with a buddy, was about to head out of “Cathy’s” but was nudged back for a drink (later to learn, at Wes’s urging). Dalton joined the group, and his eyes circled around, ultimately meeting Wes’. They were formally introduced, and before long were enjoying conversation and banter over drinks. They moved from Cathy’s to a friend’s house for dinner, and then to Candy Bar for a drag show. After the show Wes walked Dalton home. Wrapped in the chill of the evening, they talked for over an hour on Dalton’s front stoop before Wes left him with a simple good night kiss.

A week later, they went on their first official date. The weather had shifted, and snow was gently falling in the first snowfall of the season. Wes artfully waited for Dalton outside of his apartment, his body resting against a streetlight and his tongue out to catch snowflakes. Little did he know, he had gone a block too far! Ever the goober, he resumed his cutesy pose as Dalton called to find him and then strolled upon the rom com scene.

From that day on, Wes and Dalton were practically inseparable. Wes eventually introduced Dalton to his daughter Naiya, which was a special milestone in their unfolding story. As their relationship gained momentum, the world shifted with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown turned their lives upside down, so of course they bought a home together. Then came the challenge of maintaining their relationship across the distances as a career change took Dalton to NYC. After almost 2 years in NYC, Dalton made his way back to Boston. Knowing that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Wes and Naiya, he made the decisive move to propose. On August 19, 2023, in Provincetown, their special haven that had always brought them happy memories, he decided to make one more and surprised Wes during dinner at Strangers & Saints. Presenting him with 2 different color roses, Red for Love and Yellow for Friendship, he got down on one knee and asked Wes to marry him. Wes tearfully said YES as the entire restaurant burst into applause.

Through buying a home, navigating a global pandemic, managing a long-distance relationship, and embracing all the adventures life threw their way, each experience has been a beautiful chapter in their story. Six years later, they couldn’t be happier celebrating their love and embarking on this next chapter surrounded by family and friends in Mexico City.