In a time before dating apps, social media, and even smartphones, there was a boy who decided to sit behind the cute new girl in the front of AP English class. Little did he know this would be the start of a story that would span over half their lives.

 

Back then, things were simpler: without curated dating profiles, we had awkward mall dates, where we got dropped off by our parents. And instead of swiping right, I would run shirtless with the boys cross country team past the tennis courts where Chloe practiced after school (my adolescent brain couldn't handle anything more complex than caveman dating tactics).

Somehow, we survived the awkward high school years, but college would be our first bout with the challenges of long distance love. The 4-hour drive on I-95 separating UNC and UVA became a very familiar route for both Chloe and I. It was a bumpy road to navigate during this time, as we both grew up as young adults at our separate undergraduate campuses. Add to that the uncertainty of what we wanted for our futures, and there were times when our path together seemed unclear.

New York City was the turning point when we made the decision to try living together. After getting our own apartment in Long Island City, we finally started to settle down and build a life together. We would dine at DigInn on weekdays, and feast in the food court at Flushing on weekends. For Chloe, she pondered whether to pursue human or animal medicine. For me, I started a small hobby called rock climbing. Eventually, we felt like 700 square feet was too spacious; we promptly filled that space with a Scooter-sized dog, and then a cat-sized Padfoot.

After 4 years in Ithaca, we're returning to the city, this time as a licensed Veterinarian and her future hubby. New York has been our favorite stop in our journey as a couple, and has always felt the most like home.

 

We are delighted to have you with us to celebrate our love in a city that is so special to our story.

-Richard