We're getting married!

Heidi and Chad’s story began the very modern way: a Hinge match in September 2023. But very quickly, it turned out not to be so random after all. Chad grew up in Johannesburg and Heidi grew up in Dallas, most of the planet apart, which made it only mildly unlikely that the two of them would end up matching on an app in Tel Aviv. Heidi had been living in Israel since 2017, and Chad had arrived more recently in December of 2022. Shortly after matching, they discovered they had very close mutual friends (shoutout to Adam and Bracha!) which made the whole thing feel a little less random and a little more bashert. Their first date was at a quaint little bar in Tel Aviv, an evening now lovingly remembered for easy conversation, a promising spark, and the fun anecdote of Heidi getting stuck in the bathroom. One date became another, and soon they became an official pair just one week before October 7th, when life in Israel changed in ways no one could have expected. Because of that timing, their relationship grew up quickly. They found themselves having important and honest conversations early on. On paper, a Texan and a South African with different religious backgrounds and ways of seeing the world may not have looked like the most obvious pairing, yet in real life they meshed seamlessly. They balance each other, they complement each other, and they are not above challenging each other when the situation calls for it. What looked unlikely from the onset quietly became something steady, true, and entirely their own. Since then, both Heidi and Chad have been building new chapters in Israel together and individually. Chad has been finding his footing in a new country, working in the high tech sector while navigating Israeli culture and demeanor. Meanwhile, prompted by Chad in 2024 to pursue her passion for cooking and hospitality, Heidi has pivoted into the culinary world as she tries to build up her private cheffing and small-events catering business. Through all of it, they have been each other’s sounding board, cheerleader, and safest place to land. And in between the serious moments, there has been so much joy such as family and friends’ weddings in various continents, Passover in Cabo, safari trips to the South African bush, and countless little moments that have become just as meaningful as the big ones. They have grown so much on their own, and even more together. What began as an unlikely Hinge match has blossomed into a true partnership full of love, laughter, adventure, and care. We cannot wait to celebrate our love with all of you.