We're getting married!

Our love story started over Instagram. Here are three short stories describing the beginning of our relationship, each told from our own perspective.

Dan's POV: It was an ordinary afternoon in September 2022. I was home and was scrolling through my social media. I came across a friend's Instagram story which was a video with Paula in it. I was immediately attracted to her, enough to make me comment on the story and send my friend a DM saying "mine!" I proceeded to add Paula as a friend on Instagram and started casually chatting with her. I then often visited her at her parent's house after work. Our first date was at La Belle Provence and Cinema Guzzo. I came home after that date feeling over the moon. I thought we got along really well. I loved the time I spent with her. Not long after that first meet, I knew Paula is someone worth pursuing. Paula's POV: One September afternoon in 2022, I went to a friend's birthday party. My friends and I were posting photos and videos of ourselves on our social media. Out of nowhere, one of my friends told me someone seemed to like me. For the first time, I heard about Dan. When our common friend showed me some of Dan’s pictures on Instagram, I thought that he was cute, neat-looking and kind. However, I didn't really think much of this, I thought it was something that would just pass. To my surprise, I received a friend request on Instagram from Dan. I approved the request and we started having casual chats. Then he asked me to go on a date with him. I thought to myself sure, I’ll give it a go and see what happens. He took me to La Belle Provence and Cinema Guzzo for our first date. To be honest, I didn't think much of the date. I went home after that date thinking Dan was "too serious" as a person. I did not feel a strong interest but I did feel open to the idea of getting to know him better.

Dan's POV: I continued chatting and visiting Paula at her parents' house. Determined to pursue her, I asked her to go on a second date. I thought it would be fun to go to La Ronde with her. At this date, I found myself opening up to her more. I thought it was so easy and natural to talk to her. I also found it amusing when I made her laugh at my jokes. I thought we had the same sense of humour, reinforcing my thoughts that Paula is a perfect match for me. Paula's POV: Despite my initial thoughts from the first date, I continued talking and spending time with Dan. When he asked me to go on a second date, I thought I’d give it another chance. I agreed to spend a day with him at La Ronde. I thought that could be fun. Going into the second date, I didn't have high expectations. Up until that point I was still thinking of Dan as someone "too serious" to be with. At La Ronde, it surprised me to see a different side of Dan - someone more silly and funny. I loved that he could make me laugh. I realized it was the side of Dan that I was hoping to see.

Dan's POV: The days rolled in, and the weeks passed. I found myself unable to go a day without seeing or at least talking to Paula. I finally decided it was time to officially ask her to be my girlfriend. I planned a beautiful date with her at the Old Port of Montreal. At dusk, I asked her to go on the Ferris wheel with me at the Old Port. When we reached the top, with the scenic views of Montreal behind us, I offered Paula a gift (a gold bracelet) and popped the question, "will you be my girlfriend?" I couldn't believe what I heard when she said the word I was both hopeful and nervous to hear, a heartfelt "yes". Paula's POV: I found myself enjoying spending time with Dan. Our chats and dates were something I was looking forward to. When he asked me to go to the Old Port of Montreal with him, I didn't think twice about it. I’ve been to Old Port before but never hopped on the enormous Ferris wheel. When Dan asked if I would go on it with him, I thought why not. I remember enjoying the views of a well-lit and buzzing Montreal from the Ferris wheel. When we reached the top, I couldn't believe the question he asked me: "will you be my girlfriend?" I thought after going through a time thinking no one really sees or appreciates me for who I am, here is a man I met casually over social media, asking me to be his girlfriend. 🥹 Here is a man wanting to take our relationship to the next and more serious level. With a full heart and overwhelming emotions, I answered him with a sweet "yes".

From then on, our relationship was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. We celebrated the highs and conquered the lows with the love we know we both share. We may have different perspectives on things, but in the end, we always find our story weaving into a beautiful and special journey. Thanks for taking part in this journey with us!