Randy and Maria met at work, while both working on a feline study at MPI Research. Randy was the tall, dark, handsome, and quiet surgery technician that was handling the cats so gently and carefully; Maria was the cute, yet awkward, vet technician there to tend to any cats feeling unwell.

While we spoke a few times, it wasn't until Jessie, Randy's sister, cleverly invited us both out for dinner and drinks. Needless to say, we both also privately confirmed with her the other was attending before agreeing to go. So Los Amigos was where we officially swapped names and information.

After that, we saw a lot of each other, and officially decided to start dating on October 31st, 2016, after watching The Nightmare before Christmas. Since then, we've celebrated a Hallowversary, or an Anniversaween, every year!

We traveled to Florida together in October 2019 to visit Universal Studios (HARRY POTTER WORLD) and celebrate our anniversary. Our first day at the park was spent mostly in Hogsmeade, where Maria dragged Randy into Olivander's again and again, attempting to get picked for the interaction of getting a wand! She never was though, and returning to the hotel room in (semi) defeat, was when Randy proposed, ensuring that he would "choose her" for the rest of their lives.

We have been engaged ever since, the COVID pandemic destroying our plan of purchasing a home or having a wedding in the years following our engagement. Once the pandemic seemed to be dissipating, we were so comfortable in our living arrangement we saw no reason to rush into either.

Now is the time, though! After years of saving and discussing wedding venues and plans, we've finally decided this is the year to get hitched. Haven't you all waited long enough?

Travel

Camp Newaygo