Anjali and Ashish's love story began like many modern romances — with a swipe on Hinge (ask Ashish and he will say at a grocery store over a container of hummus). They met at a restaurant of Ashish's choice (without a reservation) - due to the long wait, they left and started their first unexpected adventure - wandering the neighborhood for over an hour, trying their luck at six different places, and even walking out of one because the table didn’t feel right. Laughing through it all, they finally stumbled upon a cozy spot on the Upper East Side. Over dinner, they connected instantly, enjoyed each other’s company and felt the spark of something special. But as the holiday season arrived, life got in the way and they lost touch. Three months (to the day) later, they reconnected for what Ashish fondly calls their “second first date” — this time at the very restaurant they had originally planned to visit. (Anjali made the reservation; no risks were taken so as to avoid the table-hunting adventure of last time!) Conversations flowed as if no time had passed, values aligned, and a genuine connection grew. Through exploring new restaurants, taking long walks through the city’s neighborhoods, or in vacationing together, their bond only deepened. In December 2024, inspired by Anjali’s love for the holidays and Christmas markets, Ashish proposed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna to Anjali’s favorite instrumental song played by two classically-trained violinists. Honoring their shared value of equality, Anjali later surprised Ashish with a proposal of her own during a picnic in Beaune, France. Now, with hearts full of warmth and gratitude, they can’t wait to celebrate their wedding surrounded by their favorite people. Let the celebrations begin!