It was the summer of 2020. COVID was sweeping the nation, and dating, in general, wasn’t easy. Social norms were inexplicably difficult to navigate, especially online, and in person, it honestly wasn’t much easier. It was an overwhelming, anxious, and even somewhat lonely time. I was swiping on Hinge one summer day when Sara W popped up on the screen. Her photos and responses caught my eye in a way that others did not. Her profile immediately resonated with so many values that I knew I wanted—nay, needed—in a girlfriend/partner. This moment felt a bit like the night before sleepaway camp. You’re excited, and butterflies are flapping their wings in your stomach. Your mom tells you (not asks you) to eat dinner (that's what Jewish moms do, right?), but all you can think about is the fun times ahead, with just a smidge of nervous anxiety mixed in. On that same summer weekend, Sara was sitting on a rooftop with her girlfriends, as it was one of the few things they could really do at the time while “social distancing.” Everyone decided to take out their Hinge profiles and passed their phones to the right. Each girl was swiping on someone else’s profile when Sydney decided to match with me on Sara’s behalf. Sara woke up the next morning to a message from me, which ultimately led to our first date on August 25th, 2020. We were both nervous and awkwardly trying to figure out how to date “safely” during COVID until we agreed upon our first date being outside at a restaurant, Big Star in Wicker Park. We quickly discovered that we had so many connections to one another—like both growing up in Lakeview, attending the same Chance the Rapper concert in 2013, and I was living with two friends Sara knew from Anshe. The list went on and on. This first date led to more “COVID-safe” dates, like a walk along the lakefront, a picnic in the park, a few FaceTime dates due to COVID exposures, and so on. Fast forward 4.5+ years—we’ve had so much fun together, integrated into each other’s families, traveled, eaten anywhere and everywhere, and, most importantly, we’ve laughed alongside each other the whole time. A random profile on Hinge had quickly become something real—something tangible, feasible, and unbelievably exciting. I believe I speak for both Sara and myself when I say, thank you so much for being a part of our lives, our story, and our special day. We are counting down the days to our wedding (quite literally—via a block system/timer in our apartment) when we get to officially spend the rest of our lives together. Although our story is much longer and more intricate than I have room to explain here, I’m pumped to tell you more on our special day! Until then, November 22, 2025, just get ready because the party is going to be LEGENDARY.