Despite both growing up in Wilton, CT, we didn't actually cross paths until 2022. Like many modern romances, we were drawn in by each other's impressive dating profiles and swiped right. Alex's opening message was a not-so-subtle bid for credibility as he name-dropped Jake's brothers, Tommy and Brendan, from high school just to prove he wasn't another internet stranger.

After a couple of weeks of chatting, we settled on a first date in New York City on April 30th. Over a margarita pitcher meant for four, the conversation flowed effortlessly - from growing up in the same town, to Jake's days as a D1 swimmer and Alex's complete inability to swim, and everything in between.

For weeks after that first date, we texted daily to bridge the "long-distance" CT-to-NYC gap. We met up on weekends, but it wasn't until Jake traveled to Italy that things really shifted. The time difference threw off our usual rhythm, and instead of letting the gap quietly grow, we both found ourselves going out of our way to stay connected. Jake would queue up strings of texts and photos for Alex to wake up to, and Alex, never one to miss a bedtime, found himself staying up just to re-read through Jake's day.

Somewhere between all the conversation it became clear, the other person had quietly become our favorite part of the day, and this was something we couldn't help but want to keep building. So the week Jake got back, we decided to officially start dating.

The four years since have been filled with adventures that have only deepened our love for each other. After about a year of long distance, Jake moved into the city (just 15 blocks away) and date nights became a regular staple, both at home and out on the town. We bonded over Beli (an app to track and rate every restaurant you've been to) and wasted no time filling up our lists. We share a love for just trying new things - from foods, learning how to fish, our date-night presentation series, exploring new corners of the city, and any tequila-based cocktail we can find.

We've traveled to Colombia and South Africa, and explored New Hampshire, the Catskills, Dallas, and California, plus plenty of trips back to Connecticut for family visits. We love making meaningful homemade gifts for each other, spending hours watching YouTube clips of America's Got Talent, The Voice, and American Idol, and sharing music from Adele to Tate McRae to Future and Gunna. And somehow, even after sharing a 400 sq ft apartment, we still genuinely enjoy each other's company and want to spend all our free time together.

On September 26th, 2025, Alex set his plan in motion. The cover story - work had been stressful, so we'd take a Friday off to decompress (it was actually Jake's idea). It was typical of Alex to suggest exploring some new corner of New York, so Jake didn't think twice when he proposed a trip to the Met Cloisters at the northern tip of Manhattan. The plan was simple, tour the museum, then take a stroll through the park along the Hudson, with Alex steering them toward the spot he had mapped out on Google Street View.

As we approached the spot, nerves running high, Alex spotted the photographer he'd planted nearby. A moment later, Jake spotted her too, but by then it was already too late. Alex took Jake's hand, spoke about the incredible years behind us and all the ones still ahead, and got down on one knee. Jake, although very surprised, immediately said yes!

But the day was just getting started. After a quick photo shoot, the photographer almost blew the next surprise by asking out loud whether Alex had told Jake about "the plans later". Trying not to give it all away, Alex offered a half-truth, there was supposed to be a surprise dinner with immediate family, and Jake promised he would act surprised when they arrived. What Jake didn't know that he'd actually also be greeted by a full room of friends and family, many of whom had traveled from out of town just to celebrate. The energy was so joyful, and good vibes stretched well into the morning, ending with karaoke until 4am.

The final surprise came that next morning. Jake had a work trip to Las Vegas, but his coworkers had quietly arranged for Alex to join. Everyone had an incredible time continuing the celebration with drinks and dinner (sponsored by BaBylissPRO), and a perfect proposal turned into a perfect weekend.

We are beyond grateful for the incredible friends and family who surround us, and we can't wait to keep building our life together as partners. We're excited for this next chapter and ready to take on whatever comes next as a team. We cannot wait to celebrate with all of you.