It all started on January 14, 2023, when a Hinge match led to coffee at Northside Social in Arlington. We connected instantly, shared ramen afterward, and by the end of the date, we both knew our story was just beginning.

At Chureito Pagoda in Japan, Tom talked Courtney into climbing up 400 stairs for the view. He hinted that a reward was waiting at the top. Then, at the summit of the pagoda with Mount Fuji as the backdrop, he proposed. Courtney realized the moment was worth every step. She, of course, said yes.