Tyler and I connected over the online dating app Hinge. He messaged me and I was shocked to see this strange man in a photo with several of my close friends from college and they were all dressed in traditional Indian wedding garb. I thought he must be pretty cool if he knows some of my favorite people. We set up our first date at a local state park and hiked around while discussing our faith in Jesus, geological formations, and my family's celebration of Festivus (a made-up holiday from the TV show, Seinfeld). We also learned where our friend groups overlapped and how we had just barely missed meeting each other in person on a couple occasions. We've spent the past 11 months getting to know and grow more in love with each other through fun adventures but also some pretty hard curve balls. My mom was diagnosed with cancer over the summer right before Tyler began many weeks of traveling. He was so supportive and made me feel so loved even when he couldn't be there in person. I serve as the Leadership Development Manager at a summer camp so my availability was very limited and I was trying to spend as much time as I could with my family. During this season, Tyler would plan spectacular dates like dinner and dancing at Miami Nights, splashing around the local water park, and drive-in movies viewed from the back of a truck with a GIANT bean bag chair. Our proposal was a bit delayed and I'll admit it was my fault. I unintentionally thwarted Tyler's proposal plans TWICE but he finally made it happen. Days before Tyler's planned hot air balloon proposal, I got Covid and had to quarantine for 10 days. Then, He planned a cliff-side sunset proposal and my car wouldn't start to get me to Tulsa. Thankfully, my friends lent me a car and Tyler got to work on Proposal Plan C. On October 22nd in Woodward Park, Tyler asked me to marry him and I said yes! He surprised me yet again by bringing both of our families together at our favorite restaurant to celebrate.

Maggie and I connected on a dating app called Hinge. During a phone conversation, I learned a little about Maggie and we realized that we had some mutual friends, all of whom are solid folks who I like a lot. I suspected we might be a good match. When it came time for the first date, I was optimistic and confident, and Maggie was . . . nervous. But I thought it went great. I was really excited about Maggie's heart and personality--and she was cute! By the second date, Maggie was feeling--still nervous. But finally, by the 6th or 7th date, she was actually still pretty nervous. I remember remarking to my friends early on, "Maggie's great; I don't know why she's never had a boyfriend before." And then a little later, "Now I know why--she never flirts, ever." Maggie had tons of raw talent, but no game. But I was sold on Maggie, so I was patient, and eventually she said she wanted to be my girlfriend! Since then, we've had a whirlwind year of playing together, growing to know each other, and following Jesus together. And Maggie has even figured out how to flirt. Maggie's playful, adventurous spirit and godly heart for others make me really excited for what the rest of our years may hold.