Alex and I met at backyard BBQ in the summer of 2015. I had just been laid off from my long-time job and was dragged there by a few friends to cheer me up. While mingling, I noticed a cute, loud guy with a strong personality and wondered who he was and what he was yelling about (I still often wonder what he is yelling about ;)). Later that evening, I got encouraged to play beer pong with his now groomsmen, John. Alex took this as an opportunity to move in closer and compliment my beer pong skills. We quickly hit it off, talking up a storm (even taking our FIRST selfie that night!).

In our conversation, he discussed his upcoming trip to Maine concluding in 2 nights in Boston. I mentioned loving Boston and having some free time since being laid off. A crazy idea was proposed. I would meet him in Boston mid-week. A plan otherwise impossible if I had still been at my job. As long as all continued to go well and he wasn’t a serial killer I was in for a little beantown adventure.

Our first date was dinner at Amanda’s in Hoboken. Then a walk to Carpe Diem, where the drinks and the conversation continued to flow. In fact, we were having such a good time, that my friend George, who was coming to meet me after, (Alex had an early bus to Maine in the AM) walked in and left the bar since he did not want to interrupt our fun.

First Date Great: ✔️ Not a serial killer: ✔️

One issue---I had been chosen for everyone’s favorite civic responsibility-Jury Duty. Our fate was left in the hands of the Hudson County Jury selection process. If I was dismissed, I was buying a train ticket to meet Alex in Boston the next morning. If I got selected, it was not meant to be. Thankfully Lady Justice was on our side! We ended up having an epic weekend which included the Sam Adams Brewery (where it all began), a tour of Paul Revere’s house, a Red Sox Game, and taking in the city sites. We both realized this was the beginning of something special.

Four years, hundreds of breweries (an exaggeration, I think), dozens of historic home tours, many baseball games, several colonial cities, and countless laughs later, Alex proposed.

He greeted me at the door after a long day at work. The scene set with champagne and music. Before I could even comprehend what was happening, he got down on one knee and in true Alex fashion said: “You are going to be happy you got your nails done” and then popped the question with the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. I of course said - YES!

After sipping champagne and making some important calls, we went on to recreate that first date, with dinner at Amanda’s and drinks at Carpe Diem to celebrate (minus George).

We can certainly thank layoffs and the Hudson County judicial system for allowing the stars to align in our favor. We can not wait to celebrate with our friends and family and toast the next chapter with a cold beer!