While the fireworks on the fourth of July in 2017 had more to do with the occasion, another spark was ignited on that day when Alex and Kate met at a pool party. After several months of mixers with friends and casual run-ins in Ann Arbor, Alex asked Kate out on a date. When we shut the place down over one beer, we knew we had found something special in each other. We spent the following six years growing together as we navigated graduate school, career changes, traveling around the country during the pandemic, adopting Tino and Rocky, and buying a home together. Our story is an example of trusting our instincts, and trusting each other, to make the most of every situation. With the love and support of our families, our friends, and each other, we've created a beautiful life together, one that we are so excited to continue as a married couple.