High School Sweethearts
It might be something in the tap water, or perhaps it’s the highly successful Theatre Guild, but either way – there’s something about Chelmsford High School that provides the spark for love for years to come. In January 2008, we met for the first time in Mr. Scott’s science class, and Max took every opportunity to try and be Becky’s lab partner. We went on a double date to go see the movie “21” (some foreshadowing about MIT, perhaps?) and the rest is history! Well, sort of. Things didn’t quite work out right away, which is something we were both happy about in retrospect. After three years as good friends (but intense academic competitors), we finally realized that we could be much more, and began dating senior year (2011). We look back on our time in high school with fond memories of our companionship, capped off by a beautiful prom at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.
A Storybook European Engagement
The story of our engagement begins much earlier than expected, in early 2014. It was a simpler time, the Bruins were winning President’s Trophies, the Red Sox were winning championships between last place finishes, and we had been dating for just three years! It was at this time that Becky was studying abroad, in the wonderful city of Berlin, Germany. Although being apart was heartbreaking for us, we were fortunate enough to reunite three times in Berlin, and truly discover the magical city that will always have a special place in our hearts. During our travels, we added a lock to the Pont des Arts in the city of lights, reconnected with Max’s grandparents in the German and French countryside, and ate way too much dessert at Wonder Waffel in Kreuzberg, Berlin! We discovered our passion for world travel, and realized that we were never home without each other.
After moving three times, graduating with four degrees, and directing/conducting/performing in twelve NUStage productions between the two of us, the time had finally come to return to the city that meant so much to us both. We planned a European vacation in Fall 2018, with stops in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Max knew that this was the perfect opportunity to propose in a place that will forever be special to us. After asking permission from Becky’s parents, Bob and Deb, Max began searching for the perfect ring for the perfect girl. With some help from Becky’s best friend Tabitha, Rick Romano at Charles Frederick Jewelers, and Max’s parents Mark and Michelle, Max had the most important piece of tiny luggage packed for their trip. The secret was almost revealed when Becky tried to pack too many snacks into Max’s carry-on! Thankfully, Max’s quick-thinking managed to keep Becky from digging around too deeply into his luggage.
The big day had finally come on September 29, 2018! After arriving in Berlin on Friday morning and taking time to enjoy Oktoberfest, visit some familiar sites, and hit the clubs until 4AM, we set out on Saturday for a day of adventure. Max had planned to propose in front of the iconic Brandenburg Gate, where a photographer would be waiting to capture the special moment forever! What Max did not know was that the Prime Minister of Turkey was staying at the adjacent Hotel Adlon Kempinski, and all streets within a half mile of the gate were closed. After some frantic last minute re-planning, we headed to Potsdamer Platz, a nearby square with a beautiful architectural backdrop. It was here that Max decided he could not take another step before proposing (even if it was in a bike lane). Our engagement story reminds us to take life one step at a time, and that when life doesn’t go according to plan, amazing things can still happen if you are with the one you love.
Since our engagement, we moved into our new home in Malden, and have continued to enjoy everything this fast-paced life has to offer. We are excited at everything the future has in store and we know we will be happiest when we are together!