In November of 2023, we were both lovingly pressured by our friends (shoutout to Aldrey & Stefanie!) to create dating profiles on Hinge. Little did we know that decision would completely change the course of our lives. After a couple of weeks of messaging back and forth, Manuel FINALLY asked me out, and our first date at Mad Duck turned into hours of non-stop conversation. It felt so natural, as if we had known each other forever. From that day on, we’ve been inseparable. At the time, Manuel was in the thick of grad school. Our “study/work dates” were meant to be productive, but more often than not, we’d end up just laughing, sharing stories, and getting lost in each other’s company. As our relationship grew, meeting each other’s families felt just as effortless—it was as though we had always been a part of one another’s lives. Together, we’ve been able to experience many milestones: graduating from grad school, celebrating new jobs, Manuel getting Alisha to go camping for FOUR days in a TENT (lol), and cheering on friends and family through weddings and new babies. Each step has been filled with love, laughter, and the joy of having a true partner by our side. Looking back, what started with a simple dating app profile turned into the most meaningful and beautiful chapter of our lives—a chapter we can’t wait to keep writing together.