Phil and Steph met while working at the JCC in Cincinnati in the spring of 2016. Phil was doing data entry for the Early Childhood School while Steph was laminating children's artwork.

Phil and Steph both marched in the Cincinnati Pride Parade in the summer of 2016. They marched side by side, celebrating love for all people, and their love started to grow for each other.

Steph and Phil went on vacation to New Orleans over the holidays in December 2018. Little did Steph know, she would be coming home with much better jewelry than beads! Phil organized a romantic date on December 23 strolling through Louis Armstrong Park and a private dining experience at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse. Phil escorted Steph onto a beautiful bridge overlooking a lagoon to pop the question. Phil played Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and they danced to the tune - two times through. He then gave his speech and asked Steph to marry him. She said YES! The newly engaged couple then walked to the restaurant to their "private" room. When Steph opened the door, to her surprise, she was greeted by the Hirschl and Ganson families. They all flew down to join in the celebration!