In Spring 2018, Eleni and Austin were busy but lonely students at the University of Virginia. They joined the dating app “Coffee Meets Bagel” and swiped right. It snowed the week of their first date, and they were forced to reschedule and settled on early Saturday morning coffee. Eleni, who is never a morning person and had been at a sorority party the night before, overslept. She arrived 40 minutes late to the coffee shop, with Austin googling “what to do when you’re stood up on a first date”. After quick introductions, Eleni quickly found the baked goods section and picked up a giant chocolate chip cookie, claiming, “This cookie is as big as my face!” (Which quickly led to Eleni’s nickname, Cookie). Combine that with sitting through many pictures of Eleni’s dogs (although Eleni doesn’t remember it being 15 minutes long…), Austin thought Eleni was a little nuts. Eleni was so surprised that Austin was so dressed up for their date (button down, khakis, UVA needlepoint belt, loafers, and hair gelled; Eleni was used to college boys rolling out of bed). They admitted they had not liked each other’s photos/profiles but gave the person a shot. Over a coffee, cookie, and hot chocolate, they fell in love. The date lasted 5 hours, and the rest is history! Many trips back and forth from Charlottesville, Richmond, Ashburn, DC, and the Jersey Shore were made as they dated long distance. Austin said, "I love you," first, after the fourth date or so. Eleni took more convincing, and Austin waited patiently while Eleni studied abroad in Belgium & the Netherlands. Eleni’s “I love you” moment came 3 months into their relationship, on the bridge at Occoquan. After a few drinks, Austin first told Eleni he was going to marry her 7 months into their relationship. Austin fell in love with her two dogs, Charlotte and Eli, despite a lifelong fear of dogs. Austin quickly became buds with Eleni’s brothers, and Eleni slowly won over the family cat, Scarlett. Austin discovered the wonders of the Jersey shore and rapidly became “Mr. Manasquan,” while Eleni became a fixture on Colonial Williamsburg and historical trips. Despite living several hours apart, they remained close (via WhatsApp and the hundreds of letters Eleni wrote) during graduate school and COVID-19. After nearly 5 years, Austin and Eleni moved to Knoxville, TN, where Austin started medical school. Eleni got a job at a private practice as a pediatric speech therapist and supported Austin’s studies. Austin proposed in the cold on November 20, 2022, in a beautiful spot in front of a pond and the Sunsphere. In March 2023, they added a puppy, Gus, to their family. Gus quickly became the center of their universe. Eleni, Austin, and Gus cannot wait to celebrate the next chapter of their lives with you!