We first crossed paths while working for the same environmental non-profit. We were both immediately curious about one another, and that curiosity led to friendship, and that friendship led to private self-defense classes at Ricky’s home.

After one of those sessions, Ricky casually mentioned he liked someone at the non-profit, prompting Rachel to playfully challenge him about whether or not he thought the girl knew. His response was a simple 'Nope!' while looking away to continue doing dishes. Rachel replied, 'You don’t get what you don’t ask for,' and then left in a mild huff. Our wedding will be held almost exactly two weeks and seven years after that day.

Throughout our journey together, we've moved five times, held 11 jobs collectively, braved 12 haunted houses, shared countless evenings talking over bad TV shows, experimented with over a hundred delicious recipes (with varying degrees of success), gathered thousands of flowers, and have cherished our love for 2,567 days.

As we prepare to celebrate this next chapter together, we are grateful for every moment that has brought us closer and look forward to many more adventures in the future.