We met in late December of 2019. Our first date included a trip to a nice restaurant halfway between our homes where Thomas was too nervous to eat his dinner, a screening of Little Women during which time the theater briefly lost power, and a late-night Starbucks conversation. The electricity was obvious from the start, and it wasn't long before date #2 was scheduled.

The second date was quickly followed by the third, and almost every weekend was spent together. Justin finally asked Thomas to "be my boyfriend" on February 2nd of 2020. Later that same week, Thomas confessed between choking sobs that he was in love with Justin. A little over a month later, COVID started rapidly spreading and the state of Pennsylvania, along with most of the rest of the world, shut down. After a very early COVID scare, we decided it was necessary to take a few weeks off of seeing each other in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones from possible exposure. It was only supposed to be a few weeks. We never expected it to grow into a years-long pandemic.

After a few more weeks of working remotely and avoiding public places, we decided we could continue seeing each other but only in our own homes or outdoor venues. We'd have picnics at Grings Mill in Reading, PA, having gotten food from either Chili's or Austin's, our first date restaurant. We went on a lot of walks and FaceTimed every night. It was nice to see each other again, but it hurt more and more every time we had to say goodbye.

In October of 2020, we decided to move in together. Thomas moved all of his stuff up to the Poconos to begin a life with Justin. We instantly fell into a rhythm and began supporting each other through the ups-and-downs of life. One such down was the death of Wesley, our beloved dog. We both took it very hard, and it was only because of each other that we were able to make it through.

In December of 2021, we welcomed our new furbaby, a black lab named Bella. Though she can never replace Wesley, she nonetheless brings so much joy and love into our lives that we can't imagine life without her. Those of you that met her know she loves everyone she meets and those that haven't will see her at the wedding!

In October of 2022, Justin proposed to Thomas on top of the 100 Mile View in Jim Thorpe, a scenic mountaintop that affords the ability to see 100 miles worth of the Pocono mountains. With the Fall foliage on full display, the views were breathtaking and the day was perfect.

Ever since, we've been living our lives and growing together. We work together on the railroad in Jim Thorpe and have worked in the same school together as well! After surviving a season of Fall Foliage tourism working in Jim Thorpe, we're confident that our relationship can survive anything thrown at it.

After two years engaged, we're super excited to finally join in marriage. We can't wait to see you on October 12th, 2024!