We are getting married!

Christina and Michael’s love story began on a chilly February day in 2021, in a cozy little pho restaurant tucked away in the heart of the city of Chicago. The air outside was crisp, but inside, the rich aroma of simmering broth and fragrant spices created a warmth that made the world feel a little smaller, a little more intimate. It wasn’t a blind date, but it was close—Christina and Michael had been texting for weeks after matching on a Hinge. They quickly realized they had plenty in common: a love for Pokemon, baking, and an inability to say no to good food. But until that night, they had never met in person. The conversation flowed as smoothly as the hot tea the server poured into their cups. They laughed over how neither of them could pronounce certain Vietnamese dish names correctly, and they both agreed that extra lime and Thai basil were non-negotiable in a bowl of pho. When the steaming bowls of pho arrived, Christina made a joke about whether it was okay to slurp the noodles, and Michael—without hesitation—lifted his chopsticks, slurped loudly, and said, “Absolutely.” That was the moment Michael knew—this was different. This was something real. Over the years, pho became their thing. After long days, they’d find comfort in a warm bowl of broth. On cold nights, they’d reminisce about that first date. They even started a tradition—trying a new pho spot every year on their anniversary. A love that will last Pho-ever.