It all started with a swipe… Ben first came across Carissa’s Tinder profile and immediately “super liked” it—even though it boldly stated, “I will never love you as much as I love my dog, Captain.” Undeterred, Ben was intrigued. Carissa, on the other hand, was hesitant. Ben’s profile revealed he was a cat lover—not exactly a match made in pet heaven. But his charming smile and kind eyes won her over, and she swiped right. One of Carissa’s photos showed her enjoying a Krispy Kreme donut, and Ben saw his opening. He sent the first message: “You may never love me as much as your dog, but I’ll never love you as much as I love donuts.” It was cheesy. It was funny. And it worked. They went on their first date to Portillo’s soon after and quickly became inseparable. Over the next six years, they supported each other through big milestones—Carissa through three intense years of physical therapy school, Ben as he returned to finish his bachelor’s degree at ISU, and adopting their dog Scooby- Doo. On their 6-year anniversary, with a little help from Scooby-Doo, Ben proposed to Carissa