We met in the Summer of 2021, when Abby ghosted Thomas on not one but two separate dating apps. He returned the favor by showing up to our first date looking nothing like his profile picture, with hockey hair and a Hawaiian shirt to boot. Despite these shaky first impressions, we both knew we had met someone special, and couldn’t wait to see each other again. We spent the next few months exploring all Chicago had to offer. Soon after, Abby fled the harsh winters to begin her Psychology PhD in Nashville. During our year apart, Thomas racked up frequent flyer miles with biweekly visits, and Abby graciously volunteered to be the emotional support human to Georgie, a 20-pound Whoodle with crippling separation anxiety. Once Thomas officially moved to Nashville, we transitioned into a townhouse that was big enough to accommodate Georgie’s 90-pound emotional support brother, Lucky Beans. Thomas had big plans for an elaborate proposal, but on August 13, 2025, a typical Wednesday night, we looked at each other and decided we couldn’t wait a minute longer. He proposed in our living room, with only Georgie and Lucky in attendance, and Abby still in her gym clothes. Five and a half years, two cities, and two dogs later, we can’t wait to celebrate this new chapter with all of our loved ones!