Michael and I first met at Ralph's Coffee on Fifth Avenue in New York back in 2015. Surprisingly, I was not late, but Michael was. This is not usually the case. I am always the late one.

What started as a conversational chat about consulting (which by the way, I decided not to pursue) was the beginning of something much more. Although I must admit the details of our conversation are a blur, I remember saying to myself, "he's definitely someone I want to stay in touch with" while hopping into the back seat of my Uber.

The second time we met, it was right in front of the Flatiron building. It was my turn to be late. I showed up 45 minutes late, but Michael stuck around! As I frantically looked around to see where he might be, as the crosswalk light turned green, I spotted him; he spotted me. Our eyes locked, and somehow I felt like it was just me and him in the world. Mind you, there were dozens of people crossing with us. I guess sometimes the movies get it right!

Fast forward to the late summer of 2017, as I was looking to meet more people and catch up with friends old and new in New York, Michael and I decided to meet for brunch at The Nomad (to this day, it is one of our favorite spots to eat in New York). As we shared what happened in our lives over the few months we hadn't met, there was a feeling of ease and a feeling of excitement. That moment was pivotal for us. As summer turned into fall, we became closer friends. We started to hang out more. We learned about each other. Then what seemed like a good friendship turned into something more!

Towards the end of 2017, Michael and I met up at Raines Law Room in Chelsea. It is a cheeky speakeasy bar in New York, another special place for us. We both knew that we wanted to be in a relationship, so we decided that this was the beginning of something more.

Since being in a relationship, Michael and I have a majority of our memories in New York. Michael and I have accumulated our favorite spots that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. In late 2019, Michael and I decided that we were both ready to commit our lives to each other, and Michael, certainly, proved that by moving to San Francisco for my career. We now have a home in San Francisco with a new family member, our precious corgi, Maestro May.

Our love story certainly started in New York, and we wanted to commemorate this special place by holding our wedding there. We hope you'll celebrate one of our milestones with us as we publicly share our love for each other. See you in September!