I had been on Bumble for a month or two, having a few conversations but none of them really went anywhere. I remember coming across Alyssa’s profile and after looking through her pictures and profile I thought “well here goes nothing” as I swiped right, thoroughly convinced that she would be swiping left on me. Much to my surprise, it was a match. The FIRST thing she asked me was “what’s your bun’s name??” so I immediately knew what she wanted from me. But I didn’t mind, a cute girl was talking to me, that was my win. We continued to talk about our pets more, she had just adopted Helga so there was plenty to discuss. After a little back and forth we exchanged numbers and decided to go skating at Centennial Lakes. Nature decided that was not going to happen so we landed on a competitive night of arcade games at Up-Down in Uptown Minneapolis. I remember hanging out by the skeeball waiting for her and when I saw her through the window I realized her pictures did not do her justice. We had a great time playing games, I didn’t let her win, I think if I did we would not be together today. From there our night took us to Caffrey’s Subs, Lynn Lake Brewery, the Uptown Cub where we bought apples, then Cowboy Slims where we ate the apples. I remember being infatuated with everything she had to say and feeling such a strong connection with her the entire night, as we were walking back to her car I remember thinking about how badly I didn’t want the night to end, I knew I had to make a move to ensure there’d be more nights like that night. I pulled her close when a big gust of wind hit and we shared our first kiss. From there I soon got to meet Helga, she got to meet Basil, and we knew there was no way we’d be separating. We made it official shortly after and here we are today.

I played right into Andy's hand. Scrolling through Bumble's selection of profiles featuring guys holding up their largest fish catch was Andy cuddling his tiny bunny friend. It was refreshing. So I sent a simple message. What's your bun's name? "Basil." he responded. I was a goner. For Basil or for Andy, to this day I'm not sure. It hardly matters now. Texting conversations revealed Andy was kind, smart, and funny. But anybody can appear that way on the internet. So when our first date took place in December of 2019 I messaged my friends and future bridesmaids Alice, Raina, and Sarah to let them know if I wasn't active in our chat by the end of the night to call the authorities and make sure my pup, Helga, was cared for. Andy suggested our local barcade as a meet up. Little did he know just how absolutely terrible I am at gaming. He kicked my butt at every turn. Regardless, it was such a great time I didn't want our date to end and we went to not only a secondary location but a tertiary one as well. In retrospect, this feeling never went away. Subsequent dates consisted of rock climbing (I'm afraid of heights), punk rock concerts (extending way past my bedtime), and snowboarding (It does NOT come naturally to me). Regardless of what we're doing, I just enjoy spending my time with Andy. He is as kind, smart and funny in person as he was online. When the clock struck midnight on our first date and I was destined to turn back into a pumpkin, he walked me to my car and kissed me. It wasn't the cold December air that gave me chills. I immediately messaged my friends to verify my continued survival and relay every detail of the successful date to them. Five years later we've built a life together that I am immensely proud of. I know Andy is too. Cheers to a lifetime of partnership, Andy. You dingus.

Use the button above to RSVP! Please contact Andy or Alyssa directly if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions by 11/16/2024 as well. Get excited for Breakfast for Dinner at the St. James!