By the time 2024 rolled around, unbeknownst to each other, Shelby and Jenn had both come to the conclusion that life was beautiful just as it was: Shelby had a world filled with love thanks to her incredible daughter, Madison, her family, the career she loved, her home and good health. Similarly, Jenn had a world filled with love: two nieces (Campbell and Bennett) she adored, wonderful friends and family, a long-standing career and of course, her beloved rescue dog, Mosey. Although both tried to convince themselves they didn't need anymore than they already had, the feeling that something was missing was often present. Subtle and quiet, but there nonetheless. They both missed having a partner to share their lives with.

Everything changed in April of 2024. Shelby was in Paris celebrating her 40th birthday with Madison and her mom. Wandering the streets of the world's most romantic city, Shelby couldn't help but notice all the couples holding hands, embracing each other and sharing the beauty of the city together. Back home in the States, Jenn had decided to give dating one last shot and signed up for a dating app called 'Her.' Anyone who has dated online before knows it can be a daunting and defeating task. Little did Jenn know, Shelby had created a profile on Her as well, just after returning from Paris. Jenn came across Shelby's profile first, was instantly curious and "swiped right." What started with a simple, "Hey, Shelby!" became the beginning of our love story. Soon, we were having 8 hour long phone conversations! There was nothing we couldn't share with each other. Admittledly, it felt both thrilling and scary: could this actually be the real deal?

Two weeks after we first spoke, Shelby took the ferry down to Long Island for the first time. Jenn waited outside her home in Northport and when Shelby arrived, she hopped out of her car and ran into Jenn's arms, where they shared their first kiss. The moment was a strange combination of feeling like they had just met and also feeling like they were reuniting after a long absence. It was like nothing Shelby or Jenn had experienced before.

But the true test was to come: would Jenn's ever-protective Mosey, who takes months to warm up to people, accept Shelby into our our home? Jenn's fears were short-lived: within minutes of meeting Shelby, Mosey was literally eating out of her hands! And within an hour or two, Mosey was snuggled up on Shelby's lap, giving her kisses. They say dogs always know when they're around good people, right? Mosey let Jenn know right away that she gave her stamp of approval!

Their life together took off from there: they navigated the distance between New York and Connecticut each weekend to spend time together. They had adventures big and small: trips to the beach, picnics by waterfalls, sporting events, concerts and traveling to the UK to visit with Madison. It seemed no matter what they did, it was as if they'd been together for a lifetime. Everything was just a little bit better being together.

By the time September rolled around, the truth became apparent: Shelby and Jenn wanted to share their lives together every day, not just on the weekends. After much planning and coordinating, Shelby took a leap of faith and moved to New York. Walking away from a well-established life in Connecticut was a huge ask, but Shelby and Jenn committed to making it work.

Little did Jenn know, Shelby was also planning her proposal while she was planning her move: on a perfect Saturday afternoon in October, Shelby proposed to Jenn in front of the house where they first met with the sun setting and Mosey sleepily keeping them company on the porch. It was official: we were getting married!

Jenn still wanted an opportunity to propose to Shelby, so on an warm Friday evening in November, Jenn got her chance! They celebrated at the Northport Hotel and started eagerly planning the event.

By December, Shelby had moved in, decorated the entire house for Christmas and found a new job! Everything fell into place with the ease of something that's just meant to be. Jenn, Shelby and Madison spent part of the holidays in Arizona and Jenn braved the snakes, scorpions, cactus like a champ.

Since then, Jenn and Shelby have been excitedly planning for their future, in big ways and small. They cannot wait to have all of their family and friends in one place to celebrate!