It all started with a swipe. In August 2021, Darren and Makayla matched on Hinge, and their first conversation spiraled into a deep dive on anime and guilty-pleasure reality shows. (A couple that debates One Piece and Degrassi together, stays together.) Their connection was instant—and by October 1st, Darren asked Makayla to make things official. From that day on, they’ve been inseparable. Fast-forward to May 1, 2025: after Makayla earned her master’s degree, Darren surprised her with the ultimate graduation gift—a proposal at her celebratory dinner, surrounded by family and love. Now, they’re planning the next chapter together: a wedding filled with joy...... and after that, a dream trip to Japan (naturally).