It all started when the world was shut down and we were all contained to our apartments back in May of 2020. After many days of staring at the same walls, it only felt right for two single people to start swiping on the dating apps. It took many swipes left and a few below average conversations, but finally someone of interest popped up, a fellow midwesterner out in the Bay area. Thanks to the clever app of Bumble, the women always has to make the first move (this was the main reason Jay was on this app to begin with). Jeneca clearly started the conversation with a smooth pickup line, and Jay was instantly impressed and was ready to meet up later that week. In the world of dating during COVID, you show up in mask and are not sure if you go in for a handshake, hug or just awkwardly throw up a peace sign (like Jeneca did). The plan was for a socially distanced walk around Golden Gate Park. After a few of the steep SF hills, we felt more comfortable around each other or maybe just out of breath, and took the mask off. The walk turned into a picnic in the park and was followed by many great conversations and hazy IPAs. A few months later, we went back to this same exact spot and made it official.

This past fall, Jeneca was travel nursing in Portland, Oregon. Jay ended up splitting his time between SF and Portland. One of Jay's favorite DJs was finally coming to SF to perform after being postponed for 2 years due to COVID. Jeneca felt guilty about all the trips Jay kept taking to visit her, so she decided to come down for the show (despite her needing to work late that Friday and start early that coming Monday). The two of them flew into SF early on Saturday morning and headed straight to brunch. After brunch, Jay suggested going to the beach (but in reality, he just needed to stall until the photographer got to the engagement spot). On the way back to Jay's apartment, the two stopped at Corona Heights Park for the views of the city, as it was a clear, blue sky day. This park was a special spot for the two of them because it was located between their two apartments and was one of their favorite ways to get a quick city hike in. While sitting at the top reminiscing over their favorite memories together, Jay got down on one knee. The two of them spent the rest of the day celebrating and even made it to the concert that night. Jeneca had a flight back on Sunday afternoon, and to her surprise, Jay was on that same flight back with her so the celebrations continued!