Our story begins with chance, music, confidence, and love. And yes, let me get this over with. I did tell Alliana “I think I love you” on the first day we met.

My band, 59 Shop, was playing a typical gig at our favorite local bar, 3rd&3rd. The night became atypical when a new person danced into the venue. As I remember it, my world was black and white until the goddess in an orange dress waltzed in, or should I say, salsa’d in. During a set break, I used my temporary and timely musician’s confidence to approach Alliana and ask her to stay. And she did.

A couple of months later, she invited me to join her in Italy, where we performed as an acoustic duo for a wedding. When she asked me to join, she said, “instead of staying for two weeks, we’re going to stay for 3 months and backpack and play music all around Europe.” There was no part of me that was ever going to say no. I did, however, need to get a passport since I had never really left the country.

Two years later we found ourselves back in Italy. Again, we backpacked and took trains across much of Europe. Similar to the first trip, we traveled with our guitars, a speaker, and one backpack containing all of our clothes. This time, , allowing our families to take part in our travels.

You really get to know someone on trips like these. We realized we can experience every emotion together. We trust each other deeply. This trust isn’t decided by truthfulness alone, but a transcending acknowledgement of each other's existence and a willingness to witness the peaks and valleys of life together. Love.

In the summer of 2026, Alliana, her mother, Maria, and I traveled around Italy searching for a church and venue for us to marry in. Throughout another 40 days in Europe, things fell into place by the grace of God. Although it was no easy task, it is one that we will remember forever.

Lastly, Alliana and I cannot express how much our family and friends mean to us. We would have never met if it wasn’t for our friends bringing us together. The memories we’ve been able to create with both of our friends and families are priceless. It brings us tremendous joy and pride to officially connect our families. Thank you for being there for us.

-Alliana & Bobby