We met on Hinge in Baltimore in 2021: proof that sometimes the algorithm gets it right. What began as a simple conversation turned into something effortlessly natural. On our first date at Bar Vasquez, the hostess asked how long we’d been together. We just laughed because even then it had that “wait… have we secretly known each other for years?” kind of energy. If you had asked Lerna years ago whether she would end up marrying a guy from Arkansas or willingly spend weekends there, she would have rolled her eyes and changed the subject. Yet here we are. Apparently, love has a sense of humor and, unexpectedly, an appreciation for the Ozarks. From late-night talks to exploring cities, from quiet mornings with coffee to cozy evenings with our dog, Charlotte (who remains convinced this wedding is for her), our relationship grew in depth and comfort. We've moved through states, seasons, and life chapters together, always choosing each other. Our love has been built on laughter, slightly questionable road-trip navigation, beloved Baltimore meals from Ekiben (one of our first official dates), and one man’s unwavering devotion to Chili’s cheese fries.If you’ve ever eaten at a Chili’s and thought, “Wow… someone here must be a regular,” it was probably Jonathan. The proposal was meant to be magical and instead turned into a minor disaster involving car trouble that stranded us in New Mexico. He claims it was “part of the adventure.” I claim AAA was the real hero that day. Regardless, across time zones, jobs, and weekend plan negotiations, we’ve found a rhythm somewhere between adventure and stillness: between hiking trails and slow Sunday mornings, between Charlotte snoring at our feet and the grounding kind of peace we discovered in each other. Now, from Maryland to Oklahoma to Ben Lomond, CA we’re so excited to celebrate the next chapter with the people who mean the most to us. And yes, there will be food at the reception. Jonathan checked twice.