We Met on Hinge It was April of 2021, the middle of the pandemic. The restrictions were still very strict at that time which made it difficult to meet people. We had each just downloaded the app and immediately matched, kick starting our journey together. How Hinge Works If you’re not familiar with Hinge, you are able to browse a person's profiled before deciding if you would like to "match" with them. After matching, one person would have to step up to the plate and message the other person first (typically the guy). What drew me to Michael's profile was that in one photo his left arm was in a sling. So out of much concern, I messaged him first asking how he got the injury and if he was ok. Turns out Michael's older brother, Robert, had scouted him out as a test dummy for one of his physical therapy sessions. BTW shout to you, Rob! Thanks bro bro. Our First Virtual Date After that first message exchange, our conversations just took off. He was so easy to talk to. Extremely kind, genuine, and silly. We shared our interests in dorky things; games, movies, and shows. Because it was still during COVID, we decided to "meet" over drinks via FaceTime. I had a bottle of red. On Michael's side of the phone, however, he had half a dozen bottles of liquors/spirits, ice blocks, shaker tins, garnish, etc. On the otherside of the screen I watched as ice chips flew everywhere around his apartment. Simple syrup stuck to his walls. Cocktail mixture poured out of the shaker tins and onto the dining table. He impressed me by making drinks that changed colors. And yet all I could think of was, "boy, am I gonna have to clean around him as he makes cocktails?" But, nonetheless, I was so impressed by how much effort he put into our first hangout. And even more impressed when we finally met. Our First in Person Date We planned to meet for an outdoor walk around the Arcadia Arboretum. The night before, Michael's twin, Kevin, was visiting from out of town. They may have had one too many drinks together, because at 2AM I received 3 text messages from Michael. All saying the same thing but worded differently, how he was very excited for our date the next day. It was the cutest, sweetest, and most genuine message(s). Shout out to Kevin! Thanks for that. The next morning we met at the Arboretum. I gave him a big bottle of electrolytes. And we ended up walking around for 6 hours (Michael tried to pet all the animals in the park). I had never met someone who was so easy to talk to, to share stories with, to care for. I knew at the end of that date, what kind of person I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. The Proposal Michael here! So for the proposal, we had already planned an international trip to Italy, and I wanted to do everything before the trip (proposing out of the country sounded stressful). This included setting up an intimate home karaoke session with close friends and family, one of whom I had to fly out of state (thanks for making it, Jean!). Shout out to Mom, Christine, and Way for discretely setting up the decorations for the photo op! Unfortunately for me, Denise had already found out about the plans due to our shared Google Calendar, and seemed intent on making things harder for me. I guess I really had to work for the "yes". Despite her refusing to take my suggestions to have her nails done, traveling up to Santa Barbara that same day, and hiding from everyone in the room while I attempted to serenade her, she eventually did say yes! (Obviously). So thanks, Den, for being my forever person! Our Forever Person The last five years have flown by. We cannot remember what life was like before meeting. Our life has been one whirlwind after another. From traveling across oceans together to adopting 3 cats. We are excited for all the adventures to come. But first one pit stop, we are excited to have our closest friends and family with us when we celebrate our wedding.