Some say it started with a jellyfish; we say it started with a cougar. Back on campus at Miami University, just before our senior year, we were each partaking in typical Miami Saturday “culture” with separate friend groups at a campus bar. Laurel spots the cute guy that lives across the street, plants her best pick-up line on him, and the conversation gets going. When a friend delivers a “dealers choice” draft beer order to Laurel – that she identifies as a Rhinegeist Cougar from scent alone – Jared knew he had to see her again. Phone numbers were exchanged, blissfully unaware that we’d be getting engaged exactly seven years (and a day) later!

Our first date was at the only brewery on campus, Quarter Barrel. Over beers and lavash, Jared realizes he needs a reason to see Laurel again and spontaneously invites her to a party at his place later that week—then rushes home to tell his roommate about the “party” they’re throwing. Dinner dates morphed into hanging out with friends, which turned into playing hookie to go canoeing. We clicked instantly.

But graduation was looming, and still with our relationship barely a semester old, we just weren’t ready to say goodbye. So, we took a leap of faith and moved to Baltimore together, sight unseen, but we landed right where we needed to be. Baltimore welcomed us with open arms – within a week of moving, we found ourselves at our very first (and what would become an annual tradition) Crab and Beer Festival in the city. As we fumbled with our tray of blue crabs, a kind couple came to our rescue with a tutorial. From that moment on we continued to find ourselves surrounded by the best of the best in Baltimore. We built a beautiful little place for ourselves on the east coast and then found ourselves cooped up in it – together – alone – for months – in an international pandemic.

We don’t need to elaborate on how difficult that was, seeing as how we all lived it. By now, surviving quarantine is just one of the many challenges we’ve conquered together. We’ve lifted each other through moves, career changes, and everything in between. Now, we’re beyond excited to celebrate our love with you in Portugal!