Natalie's POV: I met Danny on September 17, 2022. James Daniel Todd was a kind, genuine gentleman who had the warmth to be the first to introduce himself to me. We were headed to the New York City Italian Festival with a group of friends, where we shared brief conversations that left me wanting to know him more.

The following weekend, we gathered again to celebrate Asia’s birthday—a day that has since become unforgettable for so many reasons. I couldn’t stop thinking about Danny, so I asked my friend Sarah if he would be there. When she said yes, my excitement grew. The night was full of laughter and fun, but I couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same way I did. As someone who tends to be shy in situations like this, I hesitated to make the first move, and I almost gave up. But then, Danny got MY attention. He asked if anyone wanted pizza, knowing full well that the group was too tired to say yes. And with a simple head nod, he invited me along. I didn’t want pizza, but I definitely wanted to spend time with him. We walked through the quiet streets of NYC at 2 a.m., talking, laughing, and getting to know each other in a way that felt so effortless. In that moment, I knew—this was the person I was meant to be with.

When we parted that night, neither of us could have known how everything would unfold. But a few days later, Danny texted me with a simple request to clear my schedule on Friday for dinner and to dress up. If you know me, you know that’s one of my favorite things to do. He took me to Liberty Bistro, where we enjoyed a stunning view of the Hudson River. The details of our conversation that night may have faded, but the feeling of being so comfortable and connected with him has never left me. We talked for hours, and it was clear that we shared a deep, effortless connection that felt almost too good to be true.

Little did I know that night would be the start of a journey I would one day write about on our wedding website, but somehow, I’m not surprised. From that night to this very moment, James (Danny) Todd has swept me off my feet, and I know he always will.

Danny's POV: Natalie and I met on a September night in 2022, in the heart of Manhattan. Heath and I made our way to Harold Square Towers that night for an outing to Little Italy’s annual festival with Natalie, Sarah, Asia, Jasmine, and Emma. Sarah’s friends were making their way in while the rest of us were drinking a cocktail Jasmine made and spending time together before heading out. I was fascinated by the view of Harold Square from that 12th floor and would poke my head out several times. One of Sarah’s friends, Natalie, finally got there. At this point, I was sitting on the couch in a room, with my back towards the door. Natalie walks in, and I look up from where I’m seated. We shook hands and I told her my name is James. She was so pleasant when she responded with her name, and I couldn’t help but notice her very straight, long, blonde hair. This was the exact moment I met Natalie.

When we got to Little Italy, I remember we were looking for our restaurant and was certain that it was coming up on the left side, after we’d turned around several times. Natalie said otherwise. Natalie and I deliberated with each other, certain that each of us was right. As expected, she was right, and that became our first laugh.

Inside that Italian restaurant, we all sat at this long table and both of us were at each head of it. I don’t remember what she got (most likely a chicken Caesar salad), but I do remember seeing how much she squinted when she’d listen to somebody. Hyper-focus. She was very quiet and mellow; laid-back, nonchalant, classy, and attentive. That was my first impression of her.

We all got back to Harold Towers and went up to the rooftop. I remember Natalie was saying funny things as we faced each other in beer pong. At one point, somebody gave me the aux and I was in a lively mood, so I picked Dancing Queen by Abba. As soon as Natalie realized, she looked at me. That was the first time we meaningfully made eye contact.

Fast forward to the next Saturday night, we celebrated Asia’s birthday and began to wind down for the night. It approached 2 AM and I needed to make a move after hearing Natalie sing Our Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion earlier. I knew everyone else was too tired to get pizza, but I wanted to spend some time with this girl. So, I offered the idea of going to Joe’s Pizza to everyone, and as expected, nobody was interested, including Natalie. I looked at her and tilted my head towards the door, and she quickly got the hint (after about ten head tilts) that I was only asking her to come with me. It was our first moment together, mainly focused on finding her a bathroom. She shared the song Smile by Nat King Cole with me, and I listened to it on the train ride home that night. I liked that song right away and soon after texted her to keep her Friday free and to pick something pretty (fancy) to wear. And the rest was history.

Since then, we have grown to understand ourselves and each other, walked many miles around Manhattan, danced to jazz, tried various cocktails, played instruments to each other, shared aspirations and goals, flew in a hot air balloon, got engaged, and have grown closer to God, who let it all happen in the first place. I love you, Natalie. Cheers to this new book of our lives as two become one.