In the bustling streets of New York City, two paths converged in a story that feels like it's straight out of a romantic novel. Joshua, a nontraditional student with a past life as an EMT and Firefighter, embarked on a daring journey from Seattle to the esteemed halls of Columbia University. With a heart full of dreams and a spirit yearning for adventure, he was determined to pursue his Bachelor's in Anthropology, a testament to his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding of the human story.

Enter Morgan, a freshman at Columbia, transitioning from being a standout in her high school to navigating the grand and intimidating world of an Ivy League university. With aspirations as high as the skyscrapers that surrounded her, she was ready to leave her mark.

Fate, it seems, had a plan when it led both Joshua and Morgan to the same Anthropology class. Joshua, ever the strategist, made it his mission to sit next to the "cutest girl in the room," who, as destiny would have it, was Morgan. Morgan, instantly captivated by Joshua's unique punk-ish style, his black skinny jeans, and those vegan leather Doc Martens, found herself equally intrigued by his meticulous handwriting in a fancy leather notebook.

A simple classroom exercise soon turned into the icebreaker that would change their lives. They were neighbors in that class, and a discussion about a prompt on the board was the catalyst to a friendship that blossomed into something more profound.

Valentine's Day of 2019 marked a pivotal moment in their journey. After receiving their essays back — Joshua with an A and Morgan with a B — a casual request from Morgan to see Joshua's paper sparked a conversation that would lead to plans for the evening. Despite initial disappointment with Joshua having plans, the stars aligned when his evening unexpectedly freed up. Seizing the moment, Morgan invited Joshua to hang out, leading to a memorable night at a local bar, conversations that spanned every topic imaginable, and the start of an inseparable bond.

Since that fateful day, they've weathered the storms of a global pandemic, traveled across the globe, and made a cozy home together in East Harlem. Their lives have been enriched by the joyous community of our local Catholic Church, where they share their love for music and faith as part of the choir every Sunday.

On June 11, 2023, amidst the tranquil beauty of the Met Cloisters' garden, Joshua asked Morgan the most significant question of their lives. With a heart full of love and eyes gleaming with hope, she said YES! This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in our beautiful story.

As they prepare for their wedding day, they look forward to celebrating with their friends and family. Their journey has been unique and full of unexpected turns, but it's brought them to this incredible moment. They're ready for the new adventures and experiences that lie ahead, grateful for the love and support that's brought them here.

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Thank you for being part of our journey. We're excited to share our next steps with you as we embark on this new chapter together.