Once upon a time (aka 2015), on a sunny day at Steger’s Beach in Cape May, I was just minding my own business, enjoying a beach day with my best friend, when I walked back from the water and was ambushed by my mom. The first words out of her mouth? "Who’s the boy with the tattoo sitting on your towel?"

Naturally confused, I look up—sure enough—there was a guy (Brandon), just casually sitting on my towel, completely unaware that he was about to become part of my love story.

Did sparks fly instantly? Not exactly. There was no dramatic slow-motion beach moment or rom-com-worthy eye contact. But over the next year, life kept bringing us back into each other’s orbit. In 2016, we went on a few dates when Brandon was home from college. By 2017, he finally said, "I love you," which was, obviously, the start of our own personal fairytale.

Our relationship has been a wild, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic adventure—one that has shaped us into the people we are today. We didn’t just fall in love; we grew up together, learning how to navigate life side by side.

We’ve built a relationship that is resilient, supportive, and full of laughter. From road trips and music festivals to lazy Sundays and takeout nights, we’ve created a life filled with moments that truly feel like us. We started a car detailing business together, spending scorching summers and freezing winters working side by side—testing our patience, teamwork, and determination. We made it through college, a pandemic, and the many curveballs life threw our way, always choosing each other through it all.

In 2022, we bought our first home together, a place to make our own, fill with love, and (of course) fill with our two golden doodles, Zedd and Lola. This officially cemented the fact that we are now responsible adults (or at least doing a really good impression of them). We now sell real estate together, proving once again that we’re not just partners in life, but in everything we do. We've navigated careers, adventures, and enough inside jokes to last a lifetime, which goes to show we’re not just in love—we’re a team.

Then came Christmas 2024, when Brandon pulled off a completely unexpected proposal during his family’s annual scavenger hunt—a tradition where his stepdad writes riddles leading us all over the house, even out to the dunes by the bay. I had no idea that the final "gift" was a diamond ring.

By the time I opened the note that said "Turn around", Brandon was already on one knee, and our families were watching (aka crying) from the dunes. Shocked. Overwhelmed. Zero chill. But the easiest "YES" ever.

One thing has always been clear—we are each other’s home. Now, we’re beyond excited to start this next chapter, surrounded by the people who have supported us along the way.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all on October 25, 2025—the day we officially become The Howells!