Kaitlin and Joe met -- or "matched" -- on Hinge in February 2022. Kaitlin was a grizzled dating app veteran, spending many years in the trenches of the Chicago dating scene but never finding a man worth her time given her jam-packed schedule. Joe decided to dip his toes into online dating, not expecting to find much, let alone his future wife. After spending their first date at Estereo in Logan Square, to which Kaitlin boldly showed up wearing leather pants (!), the jaded Kaitlin felt the most excited she'd been in a long time about this guy who spoke multiple languages, enjoyed immersing himself in different cultures and had taken up improv and musical theater in his 30s. Could this be the man she'd been praying for? Joe took until the next date to feel that spark after laying all his cards on the table over Korean tacos and NBA Jam and discovering that Kaitlin had an unexpected level of kindness and depth of character. Joe's thoughtful, well-planned dates gave them many opportunities to have fun trying new things while getting to know each other. Their two-member book club and road trip podcast marathons also allowed them to share perspectives, life philosophies and future goals as they took turns making selections. Kaitlin fell in love with Joe's wisdom, steadfastness and adventurous spirit, which has included couples costumes and spontaneous side quests. And Joe appreciated Kaitlin's intelligence, zest for life and ability to be the perfect companion for any occasion -- shooting hoops, hiking a trail or seeing a theater show. Through it all, it became clear to them that they could build the lives they were each dreaming of together and live out God's meaning of marriage by reflecting His love to each other, Joe's daughter Vera and those around them. After more than 3 years together, Joe popped the question through an original rap song that he wrote. Now they’re ready to jump headfirst into the next season of life together, kicking things off with a fabulous celebration surrounded by the people who've supported them on their journey.