At the tail end of the wild year that was 2020, our paths converged in the most unexpected of places: Tinder! On December 4th, we had our first date in Scottsdale, AZ at Postino -- a local wine bar where we often return to reminisce (plus Loni loves their bruschetta). Lukas arrived a few minutes early, while Loni, in her signature style, made a fashionably late entrance. Loni's presence turned heads in the restaurant that night, and Lukas was immediately captivated. What started as what we both thought would be a quick chat over a glass of wine transformed into hours of genuine and effortless conversation, and an evident connection. Lukas couldn't help but ask Loni for another date before the first one even ended. We went on several more dates that week and it was clear from the beginning that, though this was very new, we were headed somewhere special. A couple of weeks later, Lukas was preparing to travel to his hometown in Ohio when he received some unfortunate news: he had tested positive for COVID-19 (which he had unknowingly passed on to Loni). The two of us spent the next two weeks side by side, even sharing our first Christmas quarantined together. Aided by the unexpected circumstances of quarantine and, just two weeks in, providing each other with support (literally through sickness), the bond between us deepened. In that initial month of getting to know each other, we spent nearly every day together. From that moment on, we became inseparable, building a relationship that would endure beyond the pandemic's challenges. Since that unforgettable first month, we've embarked on a journey of building a life together. We've explored numerous cities and even ventured to new countries, sharing our love for travel. We've enjoyed dozens of the best restaurants in Phoenix and created countless meals together. Our circle of friends has blended seamlessly into one, and we've become integral parts of each other's families. Lukas even earned the title of "Uncle Vegas" to our beloved niece. With each passing day, our love has deepened. In the spring of 2022, we moved in together, and Loni transformed Lukas's 'house' into a warm and loving 'home.' On January 21, 2023, Loni made Lukas the happiest man in the world. That morning, Lukas hinted at a surprise, and Loni had a hunch that a proposal was in the air. Little did she know that Lukas had planned a romantic helicopter ride over New York City. The day continued with a delightful brunch at The Clocktower restaurant to celebrate our two-year anniversary. Then, Lukas led Loni to the top of the Empire State Building, where he had secretly arranged for a couple of friends to be there to capture the moment. Holding an envelope in hand, he asked Loni to read some cherished memories from our two years together. The final note simply read, "Remember when we got engaged at the top of the Empire State Building?" Lukas got down on one knee, his words barely escaping his lips as he asked, "Will you marry me?" Through tears of joy, Loni said "Yes!" Our love story is an every-evolving one full of growth and adventure. We are thrilled about our upcoming wedding day and can't wait to celebrate with all our cherished friends and family.