Andy: "Orlando, 2014. Picture this: two couples on a double date, navigating the treacherous waters of early relationships. Little did we know that the real love story was unfolding right under our noses. I was this charismatic (and maybe slightly chaotic) ER nurse from Miami, fresh out of school and ready to take on the world. He was this composed and impeccably organized architect and interior designer from Long Island, with a dry wit and a calming presence that I found surprisingly intriguing. We were both in long-term relationships at the time, but there was an undeniable spark between us, a shared sense of humor and a genuine connection that transcended the awkwardness of those double dates."

Steven: "I remember those double dates in Orlando. Andy was dating someone else, and so was I, but there was something about his energy and humor that I couldn't ignore. He had this playful, almost childlike wonder about him that I found incredibly endearing. I used to joke that he was a "perfect dad" in the making, with his infectious laugh and ability to find joy in the simplest things.

When we ended up as roommates in New York, still entangled in our respective relationships, I knew things were getting complicated. We were spending more and more time together, confiding in each other, and supporting each other through the challenges we were facing."

Andy: "Those initial months of cohabitation in New York were a whirlwind. We were both still with our respective partners, but somehow, we found ourselves drawn to each other. Steven, with his penchant for order and tranquility, would raise an eyebrow at my "organized chaos" and tendency to be perpetually late. I, in turn, would tease him relentlessly about his color-coded sock drawer and strict adherence to schedules. But beneath the playful banter, a deeper connection was forming. Oh, and I can't forget our furry companions – Steven's dachshund mix, Oscar, and my bull terrier, Cardi. Even back then, they were inseparable, just like their dads would eventually become."



Steven: "I'll never forget the day he left New York. It felt strangely quiet without him around. We kept in touch sporadically, watching each other navigate new relationships, always there for each other as friends, but never quite crossing that line. I think we were both afraid of ruining what we had."

Andy: "Fast forward to 2020. Our paths crossed once again, and this time, the timing was finally right. We were both single, and the spark that had always been there ignited into a flame. Those late-night conversations returned, filled with laughter and a newfound intimacy. Finally, on November 1st, 2020, amidst the magic of New Orleans, I popped the question (to be my boyfriend, that is!). I had to make him wait because there was NO WAY our dating anniversary was going to be on Halloween."

Steven: "And of course, I said yes. Our shared love for travel has taken us on incredible adventures across the globe, from the pristine beaches of Bermuda and the Bahamas to the vibrant cultures of Panama, Mexico, Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain. We've even braved the winters of Minnesota (never again!) and explored the charming cities of Charlotte and Charleston. Oscar and Cardi, of course, joined us whenever they could, adding their own brand of furry chaos to our adventures. And then on May 5th, 2022, amidst the romantic backdrop of Paris, I proposed to Andy."

Andy: "And I said, "Oui!" Shortly after, we found our first home together in Coral Gables, Florida. Two years later, our journey led us to the beautiful shores of Vero Beach, where we built our current home and life together. Now, we're ready to embark on our greatest adventure yet – marriage! And what better place to celebrate our love than the fairytale setting of Sintra, Portugal, a place that holds a special place in our hearts. But our journey doesn't end there. We're excited to expand our family, whether through surrogacy or adoption and share our love with a child (or two!). Oscar and Cardi can't wait to welcome a new sibling into the pack, and we know our hearts will grow even fuller with the addition of a little one"