Jacob - an Exercise Science student and Men's Soccer player crossed paths with Cecilia - a Nursing student and Women's Volleyball player via mutual friends at Eastern University. The initial introduction was at the end of a basketball game where they were both spectators. Cecilia had plans to go back to her dorm on the East side of campus while Jacob had plans to go to Wawa with his roommates for a late night snack (shocker). Their mutual friends approached Jacob, who also lived on the East side of campus, to ask if he would keep Cecilia company as she walked home in the dark. Who would have thought that turning down food would prove to be one of the best decisions of Jacob’s life.

After the walk home, Cecilia made the first move by obtaining Jacob's phone number from a mutual friend to extend her thanks. Before long, Jacob and Cecilia began hanging out within groups before Jacob finally asked Cecilia on their first date for Valentines Day in February 2017.

Jacob and Cecilia were often found side by side, whether it was enjoying meals in the dining commons, studying together, or supporting each other competing in their respective collegiate sporting careers. During the summers, you could often find them hanging poolside in Cecilia's hometown of Phoenixville, PA.

After graduation, Jacob moved back to his home state of Maryland for graduate school to become a Physical Therapist while Cecilia finished her last year of Nursing school in Pennsylvania. Cecilia then joined Jacob in Baltimore, MD where they have enjoyed establishing their careers and new relationships. Both can agree that the best decision they have made after college was getting their cat, Zoe (who is perfect).

Possibly a year or two late depending on who you ask... Jacob asked Cecilia on a date upon which they walked to dinner from their apartment in Baltimore, MD. As the 3 mile walk in the cold winter progressed, Cecilia began getting restless and Jacob became more talkative than usual due to nerves. While Jacob was stalling to kill time at Christmas Village pop-up shops, Cecilia noticed a large lump in Jacob’s pocket with a maroon tint- hoping that it was a ring box. But, 30 minutes later in typical Jacob fashion, he removed the maroon lump from his pocket and began eating his large honey crisp apple. Cecilia had lost hope on the possibility of a ring.

On the way to dinner, Jacob insisted on taking the long way around the water, where Cecilia was surprised turning a corner to see both of their families (missing Cecilia’s brother, Mick, who lives in CO) waiting with anxious smiles. Jacob then asked Cecilia to marry him in front of their loved ones.

A simple dinner reservation for 2 quickly became for 10 and two families merged to one; as everyone enjoyed celebrations including pictures, fine dining, and Top Golf. It was the perfect day that Jacob had been planning for months.... until the Ravens lost to the Browns that evening.

Jacob is enjoying his job as a Sports Physical Therapist and has also adopted coaching soccer to pass on his knowledge and passion to the youth. Cecilia is working as an oncology infusion nurse at University of Maryland Medical Center while in the process of furthering her education to become a Nurse Practitioner through Drexel University. But yes, we will be staying in Baltimore for a little bit longer.