Like many modern love stories, ours began online — but from the very first conversation, it was clear this was something different. It was April 2021, spring was in the air, and after 11 days of nonstop texting (and way too many memes), we finally decided to meet at Brassica in Bexley. Neither of us knew it at the time, but that hummus-filled first date would be the start of something pretty special. By April 17, 2021, we knew we’d found something worth holding onto. The months that followed were full of adventures. We explored Columbus like tourists in our own city, with Natalie’s Grandview quickly becoming our spot. We took road trips, made memories, and built a home that’s equal parts cozy and chaotic — primarily thanks to our four furry roommates: Mac the husky, Moo the one-eyed cat, Bones the troublemaker, and Oreo, our ancient shih tzu who judges us from her throne. Then, on September 16, 2022, Jakson proposed in our first apartment — with help from the pets and a supporting cast of stuffed animals. No big audience, no dramatic flash mob, just a perfectly “us” moment that felt right in every way. Now here we are — still laughing, still covered in pet hair, and still each other’s favorite person. We can’t wait for what’s next: to keep exploring, to travel more, and one day to trade city lights for the open skies of a little farm filled with love (and probably more pets).