We both found ourselves single in December of 2020. Nicole downloaded Tinder, telling herself she was looking for something casual, just someone fun to flirt and hang out with for the summer. Maria was looking to find something serious, someone who would match her energy romantically and emotionally. We matched in late February 2021, and Nicole messaged Maria first, but didn't feel like the conversation was going anywhere so they might have maybe accidentally ghosted Maria for 10 days. Luckily, Maria was patient, and at the encouragement of a friend, Nicole picked the conversation back up and they haven't stopped talking since! Nicole asked Maria on a Zoom date on March 20, 2021, and they talked and laughed for 8 hours straight! They met on Zoom a few more times after that and then on April 10th, after they were both fully vaccinated, they had their first in-person date at the Brooklyn Museum, to see a feminist art exhibit called The Dinner Party. After a few dates back and forth between Queens and Long Island, Nicole asked Maria to officially be her girlfriend on May 1, 2021.

In typical lesbian fashion, both Maria and Nicole started feeling they were in love very early on. Nicole almost said it a few times, but chickened out because they feared Maria might think it was too early! Luckily for Nicole, Maria was bolder in this circumstance. Maria hand stitched hearts made of felt that spelled out "I love you", and had their shared big three astrology symbols on them, and gave them to Nicole on the fourth of July, as they watched the fireworks together. It was truly a magical moment.

Nicole and Maria each decided they wanted a chance to propose, and for the other to have a special proposal moment. They decided to make it a competition, first to propose wins! However, Nicole may have cheated in the competition, and gone ring shopping before the competition officially started! Nicole planned a small getaway to a scenic Airbnb in Greenwood Lake, NY, under the guise of a Valentine's Day present. She planned a day full of activities she knew Maria would enjoy, including a delicious brunch, a pottery throwing class, and an at home spa day including a fresh manicure. Maria was EXTREMELY suspicious and Nicole had to constantly lie to her to throw her off. Nicole hired a private chef to cook them a four course meal in the Airbnb. After dinner, Nicole told Maria there was a surprise performance in store for her, and played her an original song she wrote, asking her to marry her at the end. Maria, of course, said yes! A few weeks later, Maria executed her own plan with the help of Nicole's sister, coaxing her to a special spot from one of their earlier dates, playing a special song and popping the question with the perfect ring!