We first crossed paths on a new app called the Lox Club. It was a virtual introduction that would ultimately change the course of our lives. For our first date, we met at Iron Bridge Wine Company in Columbia, MD. Little did we know that this date, despite not being halfway between us as Ali had claimed, would set the stage for a love story filled with laughter, adventure, and the perfect blend of quirks.

As we embarked on our first date, Ali's initial impression of Brad was that he was well-dressed, a perception that would later amuse us both as she discovered his fashion sense had room for improvement. On the other hand, Brad's first impression of Ali was a testament to her radiant smile, which left him pleasantly surprised that she had responded to his initial message.

Our love story had a slow and steady beginning, marked by the physical distance between Baltimore and DC that separated us, as we alternated our date locations. Despite seeing each other only once a week at the start, we bridged the miles with daily conversations, starting with text messages and a friendly competition of an online game called Heardle. Although we didn't keep score, it's safe to say that Ali was the reigning champion.

Then came a twist in our story—Ali's winter retreat to Boca Raton, Florida. The geographical distance grew, but our connection deepened. Brad made the journey down to Boca Raton to visit Ali, with each visit lasting longer and longer, while Ali made frequent trips back to the far colder DC area. It was during those visits that we truly got to know each other, our bond strengthening despite the miles that separated us.

Our love story is sprinkled with memorable moments, each one etched in our hearts. Our first Valentine's dinner, at an Italian restaurant in DC where the average age seemed to be 75, left Brad rattled and Ali amused.

Cooper, Ali's beloved Sheltie, has added joy and companionship to our lives. We eventually

decided it was time for Cooper's first sleepover in Georgetown, and the two of us spent weeks

meticulously selecting the perfect grass spots for him. To our surprise, Cooper turned out to be a city dog at heart, embracing his visits to Georgetown with enthusiasm.

Ali’s love for adventure led us to our first real vacation together—Mykonos, Greece, followed by two nights in Paris, France. Ali's meticulous planning was evident in a 10-tab Google doc containing various potential itineraries. In Greece, we basked in the sun by the pool, explored the picturesque streets of Mykonos, and embarked on boat adventures. We dined at delightful restaurants, stumbled upon hidden cocktail bars, and even found ourselves inadvertently crashing a massive party at a Mykonos beach club. Our Parisian escapade, though short, was equally memorable, filled almost entirely with visits to multiple Louis Vuitton stores.

Our unforgettable trip to Greece marked a significant turning point in our relationship. When we returned, we couldn't bear to spend much time apart, despite the geographical distance between us.

One unique aspect of our relationship is giving experiences instead of gifts. Ali surprised Brad with a stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin for his birthday, a trip that turned into an unforgettable adventure. Our anniversary brought dueling surprise trips, with Ali planning a delightful staycation filled with visits to "relationship firsts" and new experiences, including a dinner at Pineapple and Pearls.

Brad's surprise for Ali was a trip to Miami, and he kept the destination a secret until the night before our departure (so Ali could pack for both of us). Little did Ali know that a grander surprise awaited her—a sunset cruise on Motor Yacht Freedom in Miami. As the sun dipped below the horizon and Kygo's melodies filled the air, Brad dropped to one knee and proposed to Ali. She said yes, and our hearts danced in celebration. Our evening continued with dinner on the yacht, expertly prepared by Chef Ben Robinson, a toast with Clase Azul tequila and espresso martinis (with tequila of course).

Beyond the shared interests, it was our personalities that truly complemented each other. Brad discovered that being around Ali instantly relaxed him, filling him with happiness and making him a better person. Her boundless empathy, love for those she cared about, and her dedication to helping others were qualities that he admired deeply.

In Ali's dating profile, she had mentioned her passion for volunteering at the Mt. Washington Pediatrics Hospital. Over the course of our relationship, Brad had the privilege of witnessing Ali's unwavering dedication firsthand. However, it was in November 2023 that Brad truly saw the impact of Ali's commitment when we attended the hospital’s Storybook Gala, which Ali chaired. Brad was in awe as he watched her in action. Her compassion, empathy, and dedication to the families of patients left an indelible mark. The word that repeatedly came to mind to describe Ali was "relentless" as she shattered fundraising records for the hospital.

Ali is endlessly grateful for the laughter Brad brings into our home, and that we share a warped sense of humor. His thoughtfulness is another quality that captivates Ali’s heart. From small gestures to grand surprises, Brad always goes out of his way to make sure Ali is happy. It's in those thoughtful moments that Ali realizes how lucky she is to have found a partner who not only understands her heart, but also knows how to fill it with warmth and joy. The sparkle in his eyes when he plays games or spends time with his nieces and nephew is also a sight to behold. Moments like those make Ali fall even more in love with Brad, as she witnesses the depth of his love and kindness. Ali adores how he has embraced his new responsibility of being a “dog dad” to Cooper with love and dedication, even if it means negotiating the sleeping arrangements between us and our four-legged friend. It's a testament to Brad’s nurturing nature and the love he effortlessly extends to those around him.

As we reflect on our journey, we are reminded of a beautiful quote from Ali's father, Lou, who described our love story as "worth the wait".

In each other, we found not just partners but soulmates, and together, we are writing a love story that stands out from any we've known. The distance between Pikesville and Georgetown, though an annoyance, never deterred us. To quote Ali’s grandfather, “the impossible just takes

longer.”