Craigslist

We were sitting there at Applebees: myself, my friend Dan (shout out haha), and this guy Tim who answered our Craigslist ad about our roommate opening in Brigantine. I didn't have a particular interest in Tim - he was OK - he seemed nice and laid back, so I pretended to take photos of him with my little camera necklace charm because, well, I'm so charming (just kidding - I'm like a 7 year-old, that's why). My immaturity always makes me wonder why Tim ever invited me to the beach house he would get that summer. I didn't go - nah.

Roommates

We chose Tim to be our roommate because he was quiet and seemed like he would keep to himself. I didn't want much to do with him - I had a boyfriend and Dan and I weren't looking for another friend. But he got me. He was clean, and responsible (he helped us figure out what to do when we set the toaster oven on fire - and he immediately replaced the glass of the coffee table he sat through HAHA). He was goofy, and kind. And we loved dancing in the kitchen (Send Me On My Way, Rusted Root. Request it at the wedding!)! I didn't want to be the girl who fell for her guy roommate just because he was my roommate -and only a few weeks in! - so I pushed my feelings off as best I could. I even tried to set Tim up with my sister (she needed a nice guy!). But then, it happened!

The Romantic Run

Tim and I decided that jogging together may be a great activity. One night, our fall jog brought us to the beach and we decided to get into the water. I, however, am conveniently scared of the water at night so gentlemen Tim asked if I wanted a piggy back in. I jumped onto his back, immediately felt safe and then BAM, I WAS IN LOVE WITH TIM. No! Yes! Wow, what a feeling. "When you know, you know," people will tell you. I forced myself not to kiss him. Listen, I never even believed in real love. In that moment, though, I knew it was all true, even though I didn't understand it. I guess I still didn't want to believe it or maybe I didn't realize that Tim was into me, too, because I pushed those feelings away for a what felt like forever... The boyfriend, however, had to go.

Boogie Nights and Making (out) it Official

I soon realized Tim was just as into me because he kissed me on Halloween for the first time. As if Craigslist wasn't cheesy enough, our first kiss was in Atlantic City at Boogie Nights, a 70's & 80's music club! We were in our early 20's and instead of being with friends and getting reckless, we were by ourselves, wearing decade-appropriate clothing and dancing to Rock the Casbah. My dream date! ;)

He asked me out a few days later with a hundred tea lights spelling out "GF?" on the living room floor. I said no. HAHA Can you believe it!? I wasn't ready! (Guys, true love is scary!) So in a few more weeks, he asked me again with an adorable poem and hand-drawn map that had me meeting him at the beach for a picnic. I finally gave in - fine!!

Then, Now, Next

And I am the luckiest girl in the world. We have moved apart from each other, we have renovated 2 houses together, we have traveled to Europe, we have laughed and we have had to compromise. We have made new friends and have lost some, we have possibly figured out which holidays are dedicated to which families (why is that the hardest part of a relationship?), and we have started our own traditions. And it has only been 8 years -- what will we be up to in 10, 20 or 30? You'll have to try to keep up :)

Registry