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“What’s your favorite day of the weekend?” The first message exchanged. Brandon valiantly attempted to schedule three dates with Serena, from her favorite day (Friday) to his (Sunday), but was politely turned down each time. What followed was a month-long courtship while Brandon was away on a west coast trip, staying connected through sporadic FaceTimes any moment he could get. It could be said their first date was virtual.. Brandon in Sedona, Serena in Brooklyn, fashionably late and still recovering from an unfortunate encounter with a cockroach moments before. Not the best first impression – but Serena was honest and leaned into humor from the start.

Things moved very quickly once Brandon returned and they finally met in person at Baby Jane’s. It was a hot summer day. One of them was sweaty and fashionably late (again). The first words said in person were, “Boo!” The first date went really, really well and they became official three weeks later.

Their first of many big trips happened soon after to Greece where their bond deepened over ATV sunset rides along the coast of Milos and beachside aperol spritzes. Even through almost missed ferries, this forged a shared love for travel that would define many of their favorite shared moments to come.

They moved in together before the end of 2021 to a one bedroom pre-war apartment in Prospect Heights. It will always be one of their favorite homes and neighborhoods. They spent their time going to the movies, walking through Prospect Park, seeing close friends and family, trying new foods and laughing a lot.

Things culminated in a flower field outside Amsterdam, where an apprehensive Serena was wondering if day three was the one and concerned that she couldn’t spot a jewelry box in Brandon’s pockets. Brandon pointed to a sweet elderly couple enjoying the tulips, and when she turned back, the ring appeared and the knee was bent. She said “yes” and now Serena and Brandon hope to see each of you for “I do”.