Our story begins during the year 2021 during the unfortunate times of COVID. What was a very unpredictable and unfortunate time, turned out to be very memorable and hopeful time for us. I was laid off from my previous job at the Troy Savings Bank Music hall due to the pandemic. At that point, I had built a very strong relationship with Ann and Tom Krause (previous owners of the Albany store and Ian's aunt and uncle), as I had been an employee at Krause's Candy since high school. For many reasons, I felt a certain calling to reach back out to Ann during October, before the busy season, to see if Ann would rehire me and luckily Ann agreed! As we met to catch up and talk about scheduling, Ann introduced me to Ian... and welp folks that's where I immediately became interested! Lol. From then on, without trying to put the new manager in an awkward position, I began to make small talk about music because I caught wind from another co-worker that Ian loved music and played the Bass. I thought "this is my shot" knowing how important music also was to me. Then, I bravely asked him to come see one of my favorite artists play in Woodstock in the upcoming month. He agreed! We also managed to set up a date at a dive bar, Susies, in Albany beforehand. It went extremely well and I knew that we were destined to be together and that our paths crossed exactly how they were meant to. After that, the rest is history. Ian and I built a strong connection through music, art, dogs, Ramen noodles, family and so much more. We spent many happy months getting to know each other and letting our story flourish. We were lucky enough to spend many brunch dates together, travel Europe, spend time with each other's families, and eventually adopt our dog-son, Beans. As hard as it has been to raise a Boston Terrier puppy, it has brought us together to face many challenges but to also cherish the great memories being made.

As the months went by and as our journey continued, we planned to go to a music festival called Boston Calling during Memorial Day Weekend of 2024. A couple of our favorite bands were playing and we were so excited for the weekend to start. Late Sunday night, a band named "Alvvays" was playing a hit of theirs called "Archie, Marry Me". At that exact moment, Ian tapped my shoulder and as I turned around, he had the biggest grin on his face with a ring I could only dream of. He got down on one knee and the crowd around us yelled "Congratulations!" and cheered us on. It was an instant yes for me, even though I couldn't stop crying and forgot that I was supposed to say yes!