Our story began in 2019 when we matched on Hinge and spent several days engaged in that first cute and awkward get-to-know-you conversation. On a cold and snowy March night, we had our first date at Red Rabbit Minneapolis. Neither of us expected anything remarkable, but something clicked right away - effortless and natural - and we both left knowing this was the start of something special. We spent our first year together exploring new restaurants, laughing at inside jokes, and building a deep, grounded connection. Only a couple weeks after we celebrated one year of dating, COVID arrived. As essential workers - Ethan being an ICU nurse and Hailley a mental health provider - we navigated a tense and uncertain world together, supporting one another through long days, heavy moments, and the kinds of challenges that forge a strong partnership. Despite social distancing, shutdowns, and the chaos of that year, life didn't slow down. In 2020 Hailley started grad school, earning her master's in counseling in 2023. Ethan graduated in 2025 with his doctorate in nurse anesthesia. Through every exam, late-night study session, and milestone, we were each other’s biggest supporters. Our little family also grew - Hailley adopted her sweet cat Bo in 2017, and we adopted Gunther to join him in 2020. In 2022, we officially moved in together, and our home quickly filled with cozy evenings, shared dreams, and a whole lot of cat hair. In 2025, after years of partnership, growth, and laughter, Ethan created the perfect surprise proposal on the Stillwater walking bridge, and Hailley said yes to forever. Now we can’t wait to celebrate our next chapter surrounded by the people who have supported and loved us along the way.