Annie and Billy met the summer before junior high at a pool party where they became instant friends. Billy immediately realized how caring, friendly, and beautiful Annie was. Throughout junior high and high school they continued their friendship and shared many mutual friends. While Annie was leading in plays like "Godspell", "Grease" and "Bye Bye Birdie" Billy was the captain for the varsity boys soccer team. They'd regularly see each other in the halls of high school and out at night throughout Weymouth. Despite being friends throughout school they didn't see each other for 7 years until...
One crisp, fall night in 2011, Annie decided to hang out with her friends from Providence and made her way over to Emily French's apartment in Southie. Emily is Dan O'Brien's fiancee. Yes that's right, the SAME Dan O'Brien who has been one of Billy's best friends since gradeschool. Annie had no idea that when she entered that apartment, she'd run head on into the very handsome and grown-up Billy MacDonald who she hadn't seen since high school. Billy, however had heard that Annie was going to be there, so he threw on his nicest button-down, and made his way over with a little extra spring in his step. The two made their way to the BBG with their mutual friends and chatted all night. Billy walked Annie home, asked her for her number and called her the next day to invite her on a date. Their first date was on 11/11/11 at Temazcal in the Seaport. They have been walking hand-in-hand ever since.
Annie and Billy decided that their relationship was going so well (and after Billy asked Annie to move in with him every day for 6 months) they decided that it was time to take a giant leap and buy a condo together in Southie. They closed on their big purchase in May 2013 and (with the help of Billy's dad) moved in that very day. They swear the key to their happy relationship is a very functional "man-cave" fully equipped with a second full bathroom. They are very happy in Southie, and although they don't plan on living there forever, they can picture themselves staying for a few more years.
Ah the engagement story. It's a good one.
Billy told his sister Becca to tell Annie that she got two gift cards to MiniLuxe nail salon on Newbury Street. So on March 21st, 2014 Annie was happy to accompany Becca to the salon for what she thought was just a normal mani/pedi date. Turns out Billy had secretly purchased the gift cards and set up the appointment.
When Annie got home, Billy was ready at the door all dressed up and Annie immediately knew. Billy brought Annie to the couch where he began to play a video he had created. One of Billy's passions is photography, and so all of Annie and Billy's trips, experiences and memories are well-documented. Annie (and Billy) sobbed through the whole eight minute incredibly sweet and meaningful video. At the end, Billy got down on one knee, proposed with a GORGEOUS ring and Annie squealed, "Yes!"
There were flowers on the table and the champagne was popped as Annie quickly called her family and closest friends. Little did she know the night had just begun! Billy told her to pack a bag because they were headed out for the evening. Annie scrambled to find a suitable dress, however Billy had that covered as well. He bought the same elegant black dress in two different sizes for the occasion. He told her to put on the one that fit and the two excitedly jumped into a town car.
The car pulled up to the Four Seasons where they would be staying for the night. The hotel staff knew they were coming and had chocolate covered strawberries set up. Billy's thoughtful co-workers also sent a bottle of champagne. They went out to dinner at No. 9 Park where they again were greeted with champagne.
They woke up the next morning still reeling from the night's events. They went down to the spa and sat in the whirlpool where staff brought them mint towels, and fresh fruit.
It was a magical weekend.
Oh, and Billy took a special trip to Weymouth months beforehand to get the approval from her parents. They also, of course, said yes.
Annie and Billy re-met, bought a condo, got engaged, but they still couldn't help but feel that something was missing from their lives. Enter Maximus! The two traveled up to the Northeast Animal Shelter and their gaze fell upon a little freckle-faced pup. They pulled his "blue card" and anxiously waited. As soon as they placed Max (then, Baxter) with them, they knew this was their dog. They bought some food, a bed and threw him on their lap.
Max is a friendly, energetic and funny pup. Annie and Billy are not exactly sure what kind of dog he is, but they think he might be a Carolina Dog mix. Basically, Max is a dingo. Maximus is very lucky that he has two sets of grandparents who also love him dearly and volunteer to puppy sit quite frequently. It takes a lot of energy and patience to care for Maximus, but Annie and Billy couldn't imagine their lives without him. He is a joy.
On this day Annie and Billy will say their vows and become husband and wife. They can't wait for this day to formally pronounce their love and start the beginning of the rest of their lives as Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald.