As much as we hate to admit it, our origin story is in large part thanks to Jacob's sister-in-law, Megan. While playing on a rec league kickball team in Arlington, VA—as is obligatory for any twenty-something in the DMV—Brooke befriended her team captain, Megan. As the pandemic took hold, Brooke became a regular guest at Megan's dinner table—and by proxy, Ben's table (Megan's now husband). Along the same timeline, Ben's brother and best friend, Jacob, also regularly found himself at these family meals. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, and as quarantine stretched on our bubble remained constant—passing the time with meals, laughs, games, Pickleball, movies, and maybe some flirting (though Jacob won't admit it). Eventually, these two fast friends decided to explore whether we could be something more. Brooke finally made a move (it's true!) and asked Jacob to a "friendly" dinner. We've been attached at the hip ever since.

Home for the holidays in Brooke's hometown of Middleburg, VA, we readied ourselves to meet our dear friends, Pat and Sam, for a drink in town. The weather, unusually cold and gloomy, forced us to bundle up and abandon any plan of enjoying the outdoors. After applying the the final touches, Brooke ventured downstairs. To her shock (and glee), she found Jacob in front of the fireplace in her mother's living room, down on one knee. Music played and Brooke couldn't get her "yes" out fast enough. To her continued surprise, a long-time friend (hey, Alanna!) then appeared out of the guest room, capturing the intimate moment on camera. Hooch (the family Rottweiler) took center stage for "his" photoshoot, and we enjoyed a moment of bliss before heading out the door. But Jacob kept the curveballs coming. Off to Greenhill Winery to celebrate with a vino (or several), Brooke was again shocked into tears—re: sobs—to find our friends and family there to raise a glass to the occasion. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for a once-in-a-lifetime love.