Sorry to disappoint, but this is not a story about how we met in high school and made awkwardly long eye contact after Zach helped me pick up my belongings that tumbled out of my locker like it happens in movies. But, the good news is that I like our story better. In the thick of COVID, I decided to give Bumble a try. I know, I know... here we go. This is not how I thought I'd meet my husband either, but here we are. Welcome to the age of technology! I figured that with everyone stuck at home anyways, now was as good a time as any to see what this online "dating" was about. It all started with a message about how much better bow ties are than regular ties. I was swiping through one day when I came across this guy who was wearing a bow tie in one of his pictures. I was like "Okay, this dude is wearing a bow tie. Definitely a green flag." I immediately sent Zach a message with "Oh my gosh, I LOVE your bow tie! They're so much better than regular ties." Depending on what his response to my message was, was going to depend on what direction our conversation went in. I swore to myself that if he responded back with something along the lines of "Oh, this thing? Yeah, I had to wear it for a wedding, not my choice, not my style.", I was going to pass. I like to think I'm pretty open minded, but bow ties being better than regular ties is a hill that I'm willing to die on. They're just so CUTE. And add on his cute smile? Sold! Sure enough, he agreed that bow ties are far superior - so that was already one thing we had in common. After that conversation continued, the rest was history... for the most part. There was only one semi major roadblock. When we met for the first time, I told him that I just wanted to be friends!  And this continued for over a year.  Yikes. Yes, it's true. The worst part is that I didn't even have a good reason! Look... you live and you learn. But looking back, it all worked out because we were able to build a really strong friendship first, which I know will help us get through our hard days. Fast forward to over a year, and after spending lots of time with someone who had very quickly become my best friend, I realized I had found my person when after all this time of really poorly convincing us both that we were better as friends, he was still so determined to be with me. Great. So now he's determined, patient, hilarious, charming AND wears bow ties? I'm screwed. I quickly (or slowly, rather) realized that he was my better half and there would never be any turning back. I swore he was my best friend, and he swore I was going to be his wife. Lucky for us: We were both right!  Here's to the next chapter in our story: Calling dibs on forever. We could not have dreamed up a better life partner for each other if we tried, and we are so excited for this next part of our lives. We look forward to spending our special day with you! And don't you worry, Zach will definitely be wearing a bow tie.   xoxo, Danielle & Zach