Colin and Lauren grew up practically neighbors—Monroe, MI and Bryan, OH are only an hour and a half apart—but somehow never crossed paths. Then they went to college just an hour apart in Toledo, OH and Ada, OH…still no meeting. They even knew some of the same people. God was clearly playing the long game. Fast‑forward to Summer 2023: Lauren packed up and moved to a brand‑new city & state (Augusta, GA), guided by nothing more than a hunch and the vague idea that “the Masters is there…right?” Meanwhile, Colin was serving in the Air Force—in Somalia. Yes, Africa. So while Lauren was figuring out where the nearest Target was, Colin was on a helicopter somewhere in the desert. Somehow the farthest they had ever been from each other. But Fall 2023 changed everything. Colin came home to the States for some well‑earned R&R, visiting his mom and sister in Augusta, GA. His sister, Elise (MVP of this story), convinced him to download Hinge. And that’s where the magic finally happened. After matching, Colin and Lauren realized they were going to the same gym to work out each day. Colin made the first move—walking up to Lauren while she was on the leg press (because nothing says romance like leg day)—and from that moment on, they were inseparable. For a month, anyway. Then reality stepped in: Colin had to return to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA, four hours away. With a year left on his active‑duty contract, they spent twelve months making that long drive back and forth, proving that distance doesn’t stand a chance against the right person. The next year was a whirlwind: moving Colin to Augusta, surviving a hurricane together (seven days without electricity builds character), Colin getting a new job, buying a house, moving again, and adding a puppy, Bruce, to the family (Lila, their cat, is still mad about that last part). And then—less than a year later—while in Charleston, SC on their way to dinner - they stopped at Folly Beach. While admiring the beautiful sunset, Colin asked Lauren the big question. It was the perfect full‑circle moment for a love story that took years, states, continents, and yes....a dating app to finally bring together.