The day we officially met was also the day before the world shut down due to COVID-19. Rachel was originally supposed to go to a Saint Patrick's Day parade before it got canceled and her friends decided to go to 3 Brothers Winery. Dillon was working in the brewery that day and we got to talking as he thought we looked familiar from our Oswego days. Rachel gave Dillon her number. Over the next few days, we learned that in college, we not only had many of the same friends, but we were also at many of the same bars, games, events, and parties, and even took a class together. We'd been there all along, but finally, our paths crossed.

Then, we officially started dating. We talked and decided it was time to make things official and start our adventure in New York together. Shortly after, we moved into our first one-bedroom apartments in the same complex and began to fall in love.

About a year later, we quit our jobs, broke our leases, and started our journey. We traveled the country in Rachel's Nissan Sentra with Haven in tow. Starting in New England, we drove down the east coast, across the southern border, up the west coast, and through the middle of the country. Thanks to many of our wonderful family and friends who we stayed with and those who joined us along the way, we had an absolutely incredible, unforgettable adventure.

Then, we moved to Maine. We can confidently say it was the greatest decision of our entire lives. Experiencing summer, fall, spring, and even winter has been nothing short of magical. Exploring the beauty of the sea, the mountains, and everything in between has been therapeutic in so many ways. We have fallen head over heels in love with Vacationland and our life here.

The day Dillon proposed, we drove up the coast along Route 1 (something we did along the West Coast Route 1 in California during our cross-country roadtrip, which was one of our most memorable experiences). We found a beautiful cliff walk trail and when we got to the overlook, after taking some cute family photos, Dillon asked to take one more and when Rachel turned around, he was on one knee. The proposal was spontaneous, beautiful, and soo very special. We spent the next 2 hours sharing this once in a lifetime moment being the only people in the world who knew and then walked through christmas lights, shops, and got dinner together in Freeport.

Dillon decided it wasn't fair Rachel was the only one who got to wear a ring and shared that he wanted an engagement ring tattoo. The tattoo is modeled after the cover art for the song "Light My Love" by Greta Van Fleet, a band that is near and dear to both of our hearts.

Many of you probably don't know, but Rachel proposed to Dillon at Mackworth Island in Portland. Nothing about our relationship has been conventional or traditional. We celebrate each other for who we are despite all else and learn to thrive in exploring the world in our own ways. Rachel took the opportunity to celebrate Dillon in a special way.