After messages, phone calls, and FaceTime, we met in person for the first time in New York City. That day turned what had started online into something real, and it became the beginning of our story together.

Our weekend trips to Cape May and down the shore became some of our favorite memories together. We spent those days by the water, enjoying the summer, and making memories we still talk about today.

When Kevin moved to Philadelphia, our next chapter began. Our apartment in Old City became the first home we built together, filled with grilling parties, rooftop views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and fireworks over the Delaware River for just about every Philadelphia celebration. It also came with one especially fun claim to fame: our apartment building served as the home base for the Queer Eye cast while they were filming their Philadelphia season for Netflix.

During COVID, when so much felt uncertain, Kevin was a steady source of support for Richard. One of the first times we were able to get out and feel part of something bigger again was when we waited outside the Museum of the American Revolution for hours to see President Obama ahead of the 2020 virtual Democratic National Convention. Richard has always loved election season, and after months spent mostly inside, the energy and optimism of that moment felt especially meaningful. And yes, consider this your reminder to vote this November.

Buying our first home in Manayunk gave us a place to truly make our own. It became the setting for our annual Christmas party, where we welcome family, friends, and neighbors, and for so many everyday moments in the neighborhood we now call home.

From the moment we adopted Franklin from Greenmore Animal Rescue, he made himself right at home and quickly became the king of our house. Franklin has filled our home with joy and changed our little family forever.

The day we got engaged is one we'll never forget. Kevin said yes after a proposal in our living room, we celebrated with an amazing meal at Lark (one of our favorite restaurants for special occasions) and wedding planning began almost immediately.

After 10 years together, we're so happy to be celebrating this moment with all of you. Thank you for being part of such a special day in our lives.