PJ and Kiersta met at Elmira College in February of 2015. Their paths didn’t really cross until Kiersta asked a mutual friend for PJ’s number. From then on, they spent several weeks getting to know each other. On March 28, 2015, PJ asked Kiersta to be his girlfriend. Little did they know this would be their last few months together at EC.

That summer, PJ decided to transfer to Nichols College in Massachusetts. With Kiersta from New York and PJ from New Hampshire, the distance between them was already pretty far. As heartbreaking as it was, the two of them decided to try to make the long distance work. The next three years of their relationship involved text messages, phone calls, FaceTime, long drives, and time spent together whenever they could.

Once PJ graduated from Nichols College in 2017 and Kiersta graduated from Elmira College in 2018, it became a little easier to see each other. As PJ was working at Fidelity Investments in Merrimack, New Hampshire, Kiersta was working on her Master’s Degree at UAlbany and teaching in Ballston Spa. Miraculously, they continued their long-distance relationship for another two years.

PJ accepted a new position at Fidelity in January 2020 and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. Finally, Kiersta graduated with her Master’s in Literacy and moved in with PJ that July. The two have lived in their condo ever since, spending everyday together. PJ and Kiersta proved that distance truly makes the heart grow fonder.

Fast forward to May 28, 2023…PJ proposed to Kiersta, and they decided on forever.

The last ten years have been full of love, laughter, support, growth, patience, and encouragement. They challenge each other to be the best versions of themselves and continue to cherish each moment together everyday. PJ and Kiersta cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds, and are so grateful for all of the family and friends who continue to support them along the way.