As a thoroughly modern couple, David and Rachel first crossed paths on the dating app Hinge. At the time, David was working at a Boys and Girls Club, and Rachel was deep into her doctoral research at VCU. What began as a simple match quickly turned into hours of conversations about Broadway musicals, science, arts and crafts, and their shared love of baking and cooking. For their first date, they chose bowling—a charmingly impractical choice for conversation, since every question had to be squeezed in between turns. Still, the night was effortless. Rachel was kind, brilliant, fun, gorgeous, and had a warm, bubbling laugh that made time feel suspended. They talked about their families, their dreams, and the places they hoped to explore someday. Somewhere between the gutter balls and arcade games, David felt a quiet certainty that they were two travelers on the same path, unknowingly sketching the map of their future together. As they said goodnight, something in his gut told him Rachel was special. In a spontaneous, unfiltered moment, he asked her to see Spiderman the following week—and kissed her on the cheek. Normally he would have been mortified at coming on too strong, but this time it felt like fate. Or, as his family would later teach him, his Bashert—the soulmate you’re destined to find. Rachel accepted the gesture with grace and a smile, casually checking her calendar and agreeing to a second date. She felt that same pull; both had been intentional about dating, and something about this connection felt different. From there, everything unfolded naturally. Their movie date turned into strawberry picking, then whitewater rafting, painting and spaghetti nights with friends, weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, making stained glass and leather belts, attending renaissance fairs, and swordfighting campouts, hiking national parks, celebrating weddings, supporting each other through loss, and eventually traveling to Italy—where David proposed. Every adventure, big or small, deepened their bond. Over the years, they’ve seen each other’s flaws and secrets, strengths and vulnerabilities. They’ve held each other through sickness, grief, and the hard days that life inevitably brings. Together, they’ve created a relationship rooted in communication, creativity, and unwavering support. In just 2 years, 9 months and 25 days since they met, the two of them realized they weren't just dating someone they loved—but were cultivating a life with each other as best friends. Rachel and David were officially engaged. They cannot wait to keep growing, building, and adventuring together. And they are so excited to celebrate their love with all of you soon!