It's June 2020, and COVID is wreaking havoc on the world. No one really knows what is happening. It's a time when only outdoor dining is available at restaurants and "work from home" means collecting free paychecks and having beers at noon. It was during this time of tumult when Allie was invited to Boston with some friends one evening. These friends were headed to Lolita, a popular tequila bar in the Seaport, and they had a reservation for an outdoor table. Never able to resist a spicy margarita, Allie was excited to tag along. She hopped in a Porsche, and they zipped down Route 1.

Little did Allie know that Jack would also be sitting at the Lolita table with their mutual guy friends. The two didn't know each other. According to Jack, when he first saw Allie, he thought something very romantic and poetic, along the lines of: "Whoa, she's hot." Allie was oblivious to all of this and was enjoying the buzz of Boston on a summer evening.

After drinks, Jack invited the crew back to his bachelor apartment in Southie, eager to spend more time with Allie. (It is worth noting that Allie was very impressed by his apartment...) You see, Jack had a plan. Well really, what he had was a guitar. He brought it out to the living room and started strumming the guitar, playing popular country songs. By this time, Allie was "tuned" in. She loves country music, and she likes it even more when a handsome guy sings it to her. Soon, Allie and Jack are both laughing and singing "More than My Hometown" by Morgan Wallen, having the time of their lives. They were blissfully unaware of how this joy was indicative of the next 4 years together, and ultimately forever. They quickly became best friends, and then life partners.

However, to say it was all sunshine and rainbows would be a lie. Life got hard. But their union stood the test of time, and they remained together through it all: the death of grandparents, the death of childhood pets, and the entire COVID pandemic. The loss and gain of jobs and moving cities several times. Injuries and major surgeries. On top of it all, Allie was diagnosed with a chronic illness that would impact her and Jack for the rest of their lives. The pair coped and worked together to heal. It is through these challenges that Jack and Allie understand what unconditional love is, what marriage is, and what partnership is, even in the face of adversity.

Before meeting each other, Jack and Allie were each misfits, never feeling like they fit in fully with other groups of friends. When these two misfits found each other, they fostered a sense of belonging, safety, love, and partnership. There is an old saying that says you should "marry your best friend." This could not be more true for Jack and Allie, and they are extraordinarily excited to celebrate their love with all of you.

Gifts

In lieu of physical gifts, we are asking for donations to offset the costs of our wedding, honeymoon, and future house! We are grateful for any contribution, big or small. <3 The fund links are below. You can also Venmo Jack (@jjmcnamara) or Allie (@alliewalsh).

In lieu of physical gifts, we are asking for donations to offset the costs of our wedding, honeymoon, and future house! We are grateful for any contribution, big or small. <3

The fund links are below. You can also Venmo Jack (@jjmcnamara) or Allie (@alliewalsh).