Our story begins in 2013. Back then Maureen and Andrew were friends through Andrew's girlfriend Alissa. However quickly the three of them became inseparable. Tragedy struck in May of the same year when Alissa passed away. It was one of the hardest things either of us had ever been through. It was during that period that we became closer, which blossomed into the relationship we have today.

As any couple we have had our ups and downs but overall we have had way more ups. We've helped each other through death, job loss, moving, loss of friends, and countless other hard times. We have also experienced some of the best times together. Cruise, vacations, moving, our first apartment, our first house, job promotions, new opportunities, success, cats, and plenty more. Its through the ups and downs that you know things are right. "For better or worse" is such a common statement, but we have already endured both, and have come out on top together.

Its been a very long time overdue that we decided to get married although we have talked about the idea countless times. Having been together for upwards of 12 years you come to feel like you are already married, just without the hardware and certificate. That however doesn't mean we didn't want to make it official, get the rings, the ceremony, and the festivities with everyone. So we decided its the time.

Maureen knew the proposal was coming. We picked out the ring together and Andrew told her it was going to be at the right place, the right time, and unexpected. This added an element of surprise to something that both knew was going to happen. September 2024, a trip to Universal Studios in Florida is when the day finally came. We were in the Harry Potter area right in Daigon Alley looking up at Gringotts Bank and the large dragon on top. We were patiently waiting in line to get some ice cream when the moment finally struck. Andrew subtly pulled the ring out of his backpack and asked if Moe liked all of her souvenirs to which she said yes. He then put the ring close, opened the box and asked "do you want one more?" It wasn't the traditional proposal but since when has this relationship been traditional? Moe doesn't like being made the spectacle of things (which will make being a beautiful bride a bit difficult since everyone is going to love how she looks), so Andrew decided not to get down on one knee in the crowd and garner a round of applause. This is exactly the type of proposal Moe wanted. It was done in a beautiful place, a fantastic vacation, and with two people who are deeply in love. Not wanting to wait a minute longer (since 12 years was long enough) the wedding was planned for 13 months later in October of 2025.

This is only a small fraction of our story. It is only a snapshot into over a decade of time together. It doesn't have inside jokes, silly fits of laughter, adventures, or all the other things we cannot think of at this time. Just like the wedding day itself will only be a snapshot of our life together. It will be a snapshot we can all share. A photo that will memorialize everyone there, and everyone who decided to take the time, trip, or moment to share with us and make special.

Our wedding is a time of celebration, a time of joy, fun, and love. As two people who are a bit introverted we still knew that doing this with everyone was the way to go and what we wanted. It is our pleasure to share our special day, the day we will celebrate for the rest of our lives, a day of love, happiness, and joy with all of you. Our only regret is we haven't figured out a way to incorporate the cats in (we don't think they will enjoy the venue as much as you all).

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