We're getting married!

Jenni’s profile mentioned a love for a good crispy chicken sandwich, which immediately caught Armani’s eye. His opening line wasn’t smooth: “You ever had PDQ? That shit 🔥🔥🔥” But it made Jenni laugh, and that was enough to keep the conversation going. From there, everything just clicked. Even though Armani’s profile said he was already in Columbus (not quite true yet), we had lively conversations daily and kept hope to meet up when he finally did move there. Our first meeting was a quick lunch on the same day as our first date as an assurance that we were both in fact real. His outfit wasn’t great—brown pants and a bright blue shirt—but Jenni thought he was cute, and something about his smile made things feel easy and genuine. That night turned into our first real date. The plan was coffee, but the café was closed, so we went for coffee and dessert instead. It ended up being the perfect backup plan. We met at Lindey’s, a chic restaurant where we shared dessert and wine on the outdoor garden patio, lit with string lights and featuring a fountain in the center that set the perfect ambiance for what would become our most treasured memory. Afterwards, we walked to Club 185, a moody cocktail bar, where we talked for hours, covering every subject we could think of, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. What was supposed to be a quick date turned into six hours that flew by. The night was quiet and calm, illuminated by the city lights and the glow radiating from our hearts. While waiting street-side for Jenni’s Uber, there was a brief pause, as if the world had stopped, and then we kissed. In that moment, we knew this was something special. After that, everything unfolded naturally. Within a month, we were exclusively seeing each other, wanting to spend all our time together, exploring Columbus and going on adventures. Two months later, we made it official. About a year in, we moved to D.C. together, starting a new chapter in a new city. Two years later, this is home. We’re happy, growing, and grounded in our work: Armani as a corporate lawyer and Jenni as a federal affordable housing lobbyist and surrounded by a community of friends that feel like family. What started with a chicken sandwich prompt, a last-minute dessert date, and a leap of faith turned into the best thing that’s ever happened to us. We’ve never felt more seen, understood, or loved—and now, we can’t wait to spend forever together. Thank you for being a part of our story. Love, Jenni + Armani (“Jenani”)