From Milwaukee to Brooklyn

Somer and Jay’s love story begins in Milwaukee, where they first crossed paths in college. Though their connection didn’t spark immediately, fate brought them together years later in Brooklyn, NY, in 2019. Connected by their cherished mutual friend, Marina, the two began meeting up regularly for Sunday walks through their Bed-Stuy neighborhood. Little did they know, a beautiful friendship would blossom into a love story.

Somer, naïve to Jay’s growing crush, even went about planning a “friends’ trip” to Marseille, France, in September 2019. They left as flirty friends and returned in love. Their bond was further solidified when they moved into their Brooklyn brownstone together on March 13, 2020. Yes, their relationship began and even flourished through a global pandemic. Over the years, they’ve supported each other through career transitions, grief and loss, buying their first home together, and a big cross-country move to Arizona. But what’s more is the beautiful memories they’ve made traveling to nine different countries together and building with their kin and community through trips back and forth to Milwaukee, New York, and beyond.

They made it official on August 26, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ. The day before Somer’s birthday, she thought Jay was gifting her a surprise birthday photo shoot, but she opened her eyes to a picnic and a proposal. Jay was down on one knee, with the words “I love you, my sunflower” adorning the scene.

Travel has become an integral part of their lives and one of the things that brings them the most joy. It is only right that they invite their community to experience it with them and celebrate their love in one of the places they love most.