Lydia and Nate met via Hinge on July 20th, 2024 on a cold, foggy San Francisco evening at a board game cafe in the Sunset. Lydia arrived annoyed that the date was “late” at 8pm and Nate was apparently jet lagged and trying to avoid a first date dinner. While Nate proceeded to crush Lydia in Hive and Spot It (he was gentlemanly enough to let her win the last game), parts of their story started to form through conversation. Discovering fun connections, such as their parents attending the same Seattle church one year apart, and deeper values of a “growth mindset” and love for God/community, both surprised and delighted them. Despite Lydia catching the “ick” a few times after that date, they quickly fell in love — Lydia with Nate’s never ending patience, humility and silliness and Nate with Lydia’s thoughtful communication, eagerness to grow and wittiness. Our last year and a half has been filled with laughter, building friendships with each other’s communities, cooking a variety of cuisines while trying to prioritize fiber (aka lots of quinoa and chickpeas), playing amateur tennis, serving the Reality SF kiddos, and most of all, seeking to love each other better through God. We’re beyond excited to get married this Fall and feel incredibly thankful to celebrate the start of our life together with all of you!