Written by Joe

I met Rachelle at the end of 2018. Well, kind of. We worked together at the car dealership, in completely different departments. The only time I got to interact with her was when I had to go upstairs to correct a billing mistake she made. This made it tough to flirt with her, and I could tell she was less than amused by me. So when she quit to pursue a career in marketing, I enthusiastically congratulated her, hoping I could leave a better impression. She walked out the door, and I followed her on social media. Just in case.

Rachelle here:

For the record, I didn't make that many billing mistakes... but fast forward to Fall 2021. My friend, Lauren and I were at a 90s theme Halloween party and I showed her my dating profile. My bio said “If you and your family run a 5k on Thanksgiving, ✨I don’t want it✨”. She thought it was funny and posted it on Step Out Buffalo's Instagram to promote the upcoming Turkey Trot. A few weeks later, I noticed I had a DM from Joe. After a few messages, he asked me out on a date. We met at Pour Taproom, ate chicken fingers, played games, laughed non-stop, and I didn’t want it to end. I knew from our first date (and that first message) Joe was special and I wanted to know more about him. (Thank you, Lauren!!)

Joe again:

We fell in love fast. During a fall snow squall, we decided it would make more sense for Rachelle to stay the weekend at my house instead of driving back to her apartment. That's when her dog Teddy discovered the freedom of a fenced in yard. Then the Christmas blizzard of 2022 followed and we were snowed in for a week. Two months later, I was loading up a Uhaul, moving them in for good. By the end of spring, our little fur family grew. I spent the day at work, while Rachelle kept me abreast of the adoption process. That was the evening we welcomed our cat, Chi Chi, into what had become our home.

Rachelle and & I loved, laughed, and supported each other over the next two years. We grew together, marveling at each other’s strengths while embracing our not-so-strengths. Just as quickly as we fell in love, our love matured.. Come Fall of 2024, I knew it was time to propose. I planned it out meticulously, knowing it was a story we would someday tell our children. I waited for an idyllic autumn day, one where the wind teased the colored leaves off their branches. Having endlessly rehearsed the carefully worded prose with which I would profess my unconditional love for her, I readied myself for the moment. I dropped to one knee. Looked up into her anticipating eyes. And then I stuttered “th-thank you? Please!”

Rachelle again:

That's literally all he said.

Joe:

Luckily she said yes.

Which is why we'd like to invite each and every one of you to come and celebrate our future together. Whether you can make it in person, or are a well wisher from afar, we want to thank you for being a part of our day. Thank you for welcoming both of us into your lives, your families, & your hearts.