It all began back in high school. in 2013, We found ourselves in the same science class just two seats apart from each other. I (of course) would regularly lean in and ask John for his homework-and without skipping a beat he'd nod yes and pass it my way. (Thanks for that, babe. Still grateful!) At this time we were still strangers , just two teenagers unknowingly sitting close to someone who would one day mean everything. Fast forward two years... we started spending time with the same group of friends and getting to know each other a bit more. What began as simple conversations slowly turned into something , much more meaningful. Little did we know, those first few moments in science class were the start to our forever.

By this point, John and I were spending nearly every day together. I was still so young but I knew how special he was- he was kind, funny and always made me smile. We could talk for hours and never wanted our conversations to end. Not long after, we made it official and started dating. One of my favorite early memories: John and I at prom. This is where I discovered two things: John could really dance! and second, I have found my lifelong dance partner. Since then whether its at a wedding, a random bay ridge bar, or in our kitchen, dancing together has always been one of our favorite things to do.

We were able to do all the exciting things together, senior activities, prom, graduation and now we were moving on and going to college.

Starting college was a brand new chapter. Exciting but also filled with uncertainty about what the future would hold. Through all the ups and downs , John and I were always there for each other. No matter what life threw our way, we faced it together and grew stronger from it.

Over the years, I started going to more and more family events with John, and the closer I got to his family the closer I felt to him. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was part of something truly special. Through them , I got to see a wonderful side of John- the kind, caring, and thoughtful person he is- and I fell more in love with every version of him.

Fast forward to these two photos from our trip to St. Lucia last year. A place and moment where everything just felt right , By this point in my life, I knew exactly what I wanted for my future. My heart felt full and I felt ready for whatever came next . John and I had been talking about taking the next steps in our relationship and even about getting engaged. So naturally, like most girls do ... every big day, trip or special event had me thinking, "This is it... he's going to propose!"

And then, the day finally came. After months of anticipation and nine amazing years together. John was suddenly down on his knee right in front of me, speaking the most beautiful words, his eyes filled with tears. I was completely surprised and overwhelmed with excitement. It was truly one of the happiest, most unforgettable moments of our lives.

A moment of euphoria

I look out in the crowd and see both mine and his family cheering us on and tears fall down my face. A moment I dreamt of since I first knew he would be my forever.

And in our amazing love story there was also you! You all who supported us and loved us through it all. We are so excited to share our special day with all the special people in our lives. We love you and cant wait to party with you all.