C&J

Our story began like all the cool kids, on Match.com. Like many before us, we each clicked through profiles, hoping to find someone who felt like more than just a face on a screen. Then one day, John stumbled upon Cindy’s profile. Smart, funny, beautiful and with just the right amount of sass in her bio, Cindy immediately caught his eye. He sent a message, "You are beautiful". Cindy was instantly interested as she appreciated a man with a good smile…and let’s be real, the boat helped! The messages turned into banter and the banter turned into curiosity and soon enough they picked a date and a place. Their first date was on January 25, 2017 at Mo’s Irish Pub. A cozy spot with good food, cold drinks, and an atmosphere just relaxed enough to calm those first-date nerves. Now, John thought he was going on a date. Cindy, on the other hand, had scheduled an interview. According to John, it didn’t feel like a date, the date felt more like an “interrogation”. Cindy came prepared, asking all the important questions: career, family, future plans, political leanings, favorite pizza toppings-you name it. John answered each one with that same easy smile from his profile. Maybe a little sweat. But he held his own. After the first two dates, Cindy sent a text to John to inquire if he wanted to see her again. He responded with "absolutely"! From strangers with matching online profiles, to people who did not want the conversation to end, to partners in every sense of the word. That night sparked the beginning of something real. The conversations kept flowing, the laughs became more frequent, and soon enough, drinks and dinner dates turned into vacations, holidays, concerts and simply enjoying life together. On Labor Day 2024, John asked Cindy to be his "C.E.O" (aka Cindy Elaine O'Dea). At first Cindy was in total shock, that she did not hear him. John had to repeat himself three times before, finally, Cindy said “yes”! Now, eight years later, that “interrogation” at Mo’s has turned into a beautiful love story-filled with shared dreams, mutual respect, and a deep affection that has only grown stronger with time. From Match.com to Mo’s Irish Pub to a life full of happiness and love-Cindy and John wouldn’t have it any other way. And yes, John still claims he's never faced a tougher interview. Here’s to 8 years down, and a lifetime to go!