A lot of online dating stories seem to go the same – people match, people talk and then one (or both) people stop responding and potential relationships fall by the wayside. When Jam and Joe matched on Hinge in fall of 2018 their conversation was brief. It consisted of a few pleasantries, a conversation about brunch and an agreement to go out the following week. Jamaris agreed to meet Joe near his Upper East Side apartment on September 13, 2018. Jam suggested Joe choose the restaurant in his neighborhood. Their relationship hit its first hurdle– little did Jam know, planning wasn't Joe’s forte. Thankfully Jamaris recommended meeting at The Penrose so, planning was taken out of his hands. On the day of the date disaster struck in the form of a major thunderstorm that caused a power outage at The Penrose. Jamaris asked Joe to pick another spot– she was running a little late and was happy to meet anywhere. If you know Jamaris “a little late” could mean anything from 10 mins to an hour (this was something Joe learned quickly). Joe crossed the street to another bar (a place that did not have first date vibes) and ordered a beer & waited. A series of texts ensued with gradual updates on Jamaris progress from her office. After 45 mins Joe was about to give up hope when Jam came flying in the door soaking wet from the storm. After apologies, jokes about bar choice and how soaked Jam was they had a lovely first date over drinks discussing their love of NYC and the Midwest. Over the next 2.5 years Jam and Joe became inseparable as they explored NYC together. They started traveling, vacationing and attending countless weddings. Their relationship was thriving until Joe threw a massive curve ball all in it. In March 2020 Joe accepted a job at the Detroit Red Wings. Although Jam was not thrilled, she said all the right things and was supportive of his decision. As Joe prepared to leave, the pandemic gripped NYC and Jam's job became remote. With this turn of events Jamaris decided to join Joe in Detroit for “a few weeks” as they waited to see the effects of Covid. The first 3 weeks of the pandemic cozy... 2 people working out of a studio apartment wasn't ideal, but they made it work (they graciously took turns taking calls from the the walk in closet). Over the next 6 months as the world changed with the tragedies of the pandemic, protests surrounding racial injustices, and enduring political turmoil, they grew closer as a couple and knew they could conquer anything. After those 6 months, it was time for Jam to return to NYC. A year and a half went by that included numerous trips back & forth to visit, countless late night calls and many assurances they were going to make it out of the long distance relationship together and stronger. Thankfully, in March of 2022, their long distance relationship finally came to a close when Joe accepted a job back in NYC. What followed was several of the happiest months being back together – just as the city was starting to open up and regain its vibrancy. At this point, Joe started planning to propose. Thankfully Joe was taking notes when Jam would casually talk about her dream ring. He worked out a plan to propose 4 years to the day of their fateful first date. Jamaris was taken back when Joe told her he planned a date for them on Tuesday – which was out of the ordinary for Joe. That night he prepared Jam's favorite cocktail, got a reservation at a restaurant she’d been dying to try and most importantly, had a conversation with her dad about asking her to marry him. When Jam got home that night (late, per usual), Joe asked her if she knew what was special about that day. He informed her that 4 years ago was their 1st date and that the past 4 years had been the happiest he could imagine and asked Jam to marry him. She said yes! Nearly 2 years of planning (nearly all done by her) and 1 adorable corgi named Clementine later they are thrilled to celebrate their love with all of their friends and family!