We met for the first time - that we know of - at our friend Lindsey's wedding in October of 2008. Allison was a bridesmaid, Andrew a groomsman, and we danced for the first time that night. But our connection goes back further than that: to 1982 and the West Village where both of our families lived when we were born - Allison in June, Andrew in August. Did our moms walk by each other pushing strollers in Washington Square Park in September or October 1982? We like to think so. We are both native New Yorkers, native Manhattanites, native West Villagers. We call ourselves The Natives, and that's our wi-fi network too.

Fast-forward to February 2013. Tickets are bought and visas obtained for our first trip out of the country together - to Brazil. Andrew's plan is to propose at Iguazu Falls on the Brazil/Argentina border. He asks Ron and Ronni's permission. He asks for Rachael's blessing. He knows that Allison wants an heirloom for her wedding ring. No, two heirloom rings, combined. He "borrows" a ring from Allison's jewelry drawer to use for sizing purposes, puts it in his wallet, and forgets about it.

At Ron and Ronni's suggestion, Andrew decides to propose without the ring and have the ring made with Allison, to her specifications. So he decides not to propose on the trip to Brazil. There isn't enough time to find a proposal ring before the trip. And really, bringing an expensive ring to Brazil doesn't seem like the best idea.

After 24 hours of flying, we land at Foz de Iguazu. After a good night's sleep, we head to Argentina to check out the waterfalls from that side of the border. And, unbeknownst to Allison, Andrew is noting that while it is beautiful, there is no good place, no good time to propose. It's just too crowded. And Andrew confirms that the decision he had made before the trip, to postpone the proposal, was the right one. We enjoy the rest of our time in Iguazu and head to Rio de Janeiro, where we continue to have an amazing vacation.

The second to last night in Rio, Andrew is sifting through his change in his wallet and stumbles upon the ring he has borrowed from Allison, without her knowledge. "Oh, right, this is here. OK, back you go," and he puts it away.

On the last night of the trip, the plan is to go to a really nice restaurant and eat a great meal as the end to a wonderful vacation. We shower and get dressed, and Allison sits on the bed to check her phone. "I look over, and Allison is sitting there, and she just looks so beautiful. And I decide that I don't want the meal to be the end of a wonderful vacation, but rather a celebration. I pull out my wallet, and take out Allison's ring. I walk over to her, get down on one knee, and ask for her hand in marriage." She said yes, of course. That's why you're reading this now.

Now to the present: two Manhattanites living together in Brooklyn. When we discussed where to get married, we decided that a destination wedding was a must! So come to Brooklyn, all of you. Help us celebrate the joining of our lives and families. We couldn't be more excited to become husband and wife in the city we love. We each started our life in Manhattan; now it's time to start our life in Brooklyn. We hope you'll be there with us.

With love,

Allison & Andrew
The Natives