Tamara’s version: During the pandemic, a few of my girlfriends were joking and said “How do we date now, I guess we’re forced to do these apps lol”. I was hesitant because though I was still living in Chicago, I had already accepted a job in NY and would be moving in the next 4-6 months. But to support my girls, I said you know what, I’ll get on too, it can’t be that bad. I remember my cousin telling me “you know you can like a guys picture or send a message first” and I was like absolutely not lol. But when I saw Corby’s page, I saw a picture of him joking and having fun with his family over a hand of spades. Spades is one of my favorite card games and a must have for someone I date, so I liked the picture. And from then on, to all our dates, through letting him know I was still moving to NY, and even to now us being engaged about to be wedded, one thing I can say about him is that he’s ALWAYS been consistent with his pursuit for me. Our friendship grew into something special and I knew I was falling in love with him. I knew I could trust him, he accepted me for me, he’s taught me so many things so that I can be better version of myself, he is dependable, supportive and I knew our love was unconditional. I felt being with him was a sign from God saying “I told you I have someone just for you.” On November 25, 2023, he brought my family and close friends to the top of the Willis tower and via zoom, and gave me such a huge surprise. He asked me to be his wife and of course I said Yes! Corby’s version: In a world where both of us were on a journey to rediscover the essence of love, our paths intersected in the most modern of ways. Amidst a period of personal transformation, where health and career were at the forefront of my priorities, I found myself yearning for a companion to share in these new beginnings. It was during this introspective phase that I ventured into the realm of dating apps, a decision that led me to her. She was my very first match, a serendipitous encounter that I interpreted as a nudge from fate itself. Embracing the courage bestowed upon me, I saw her initiative as an invitation to embark on a journey of faith together. Our first rendezvous was set under the guise of a casual brunch in the bustling heart of downtown. In an attempt to make the day memorable, I crafted a bouquet of roses, a gesture that would eventually weave itself into the fabric of our relationship. These roses symbolized the perennial nature of love, a reminder that to sustain beauty, one must continuously nurture it with fresh affection. This belief became a cornerstone of our love story, as the ritual of gifting roses evolved into a symbol of our enduring commitment. With each new bloom placed at her door, and eventually ours, we were reminded that our love, much like the roses, would flourish with care and devotion. Thus, from a simple act of swiping right, bloomed a love that refused to wilt, anchored in the promise of renewal and growth.