Jenn's Version:

Jeff and I first met in April 2004 during the admitted students' visit weekend for Penn's Computer and Information Science PhD program. Jeff claimed the seat next to mine on the trolley tour of Philadelphia, and we got to talking while taking in the city for the first time. We ended up hanging out for the rest of the weekend, wandering around Philly in the rain before splitting a cab to the airport Sunday afternoon. Jeff returned to Ithaca to finish his last semester of college, while I flew back to Palo Alto for one last crazy summer on the west coast.

Apparently the visit weekend did the trick. Jeff and I both moved to Philadelphia to start at Penn the following September. We took the standard first year courses and hung out in the first year office (fondly referred to as The Dungeon due to its dreary lighting, lack of windows, and basement locale), so we saw each other almost every day. After one moderately awkward non-date involving Chinese food and a walk to the Delaware River, it quickly became clear that there was something between us. By early October, we were dating for real.

Our relationship has continued to grow stronger ever since. In the summer of 2006, Jeff moved into my apartment, where we still live today with our cats, Tekno and El. We talk animatedly about all of the mundane details of our days, cook dinner together a few nights a week, and ritualistically spend weekend mornings reading the Times and making elaborate breakfasts. I never dreamed that boring old adult life could be so good.

I first brought up the subject of marriage after a few too many drinks on New Year's Eve '08, but it was almost six months later when Jeff formally proposed on the roof deck of the Acacia Seaside Inn in San Juan. There was kneeling and a ring and all those things I never thought I wanted, and it was awesome. Jeff is truly one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known, and I'm constantly surprised at how well our personalities complement each other. I am lucky to have him in my life, and I think that being married is going to be great.

Jeff's Version:

I first saw Jenn in 307 Levine Hall, University of Pennsylvania. It was early in the morning. Looking up from a paper cup of tea, I saw a girl with red hair. She was beautiful.

As prospective graduate students, we had been invited to visit the computer science department. The faculty and current students would spend the next few days plying us with food, wine, and mostly-true stories about Penn. Their goal was to make each prospective student find an advisor. I did better. I found a wife.

Jenn and I first spoke on a rented trolley-bus ride through the city of Philadelphia and Fairmont park. Although I don't remember the details of our conversation, I do remember thinking—knowing—she was special.

We met to take a walk through Philly before our flights home on Sunday. It started to rain. Jenn hates the rain. More than bland food. More than long car rides. Jenn hates the rain. But I didn't know that, and we walked up Benjamin Franklin Parkway as the clouds grayed and the water fell. We talked. In retrospect, I think she liked me too.

We've been dating since October of that year, 2004. In that time Jenn and I have shared many adventures together. We've visited Spain and Germany, dressed-up, cooked sushi, and celebrated several new years. And on June 9, 2008, I asked Jenn to marry me. She said yes. I can't wait for our adventure to continue.