As a hopeless romantic, I never needed roses or grand gestures to feel complete. I found magic in every unexpected plot twist, in the whispers of literary crushes, and even in the bittersweet moments when a story let me down. But what truly filled my heart was Andrew—the love of my life—whose presence turned every chapter of my world into something unforgettable.

There was really only one place that made sense for our engagement shoot: the New York Public Library. Yes, that library—the one with the marble lions standing guard like literary bouncers and the ghost of Edith Wharton probably rolling her eyes at the PDA.

Now, let me paint you a picture: torrential rain, gridlocked traffic, fashion doubts, and hair that went full main character in a windstorm mode. It was the kind of day where the universe laughs and says, “Let’s test their love!” But thanks to our extraordinary photographer, Lucia Vacarro, and her equally lovely husband Miguel, what could’ve been a soggy disaster turned into pure romance .

Lucia didn’t just take photos; she captured the truth of the moment—somehow capturing the real magic between Andrew and me, Despite the chaos, the laughter, the love, and the rain-soaked kisses that felt more Paris than anything else, I knew there was something about those imperfect, beautiful moments that made life feel so deeply real.

Taking photos at the NYPL had been my dream long before Andrew put a ring on it. Surrounded by classical columns, old-world glamour sweeping staircases, and shelves of love stories older than time itself. I felt like I had stepped into my own personal fairytale. And yes, I wore my “something blue” Manolos—not just as a nod to Carrie, but because a girl knows when a statement shoe is also a mood.

So, was it perfect? No. It was better. Because love, like any great novel, needs a little weather, a little plot twist, and a setting worthy of the story. In the end, there I was, in my something-blue heels, with the love of my life turning a rainy day into our very own fairy tale romance.