Molly, a hopeless romantic, was on the verge of abandoning dating apps when Jonathan, a fresh face in the dating world, made his entrance. Their connection sparked over a photo of a rhino, leading to months of engaging conversations that curated an initial connection. On January 4, 2023, their first date at The Carver Hanger wasn’t exactly love at first sight. But fate had other plans. A second date was set, and Jonathan, true to his charming self, redeemed the night with a performance that won Molly’s heart. By mid-February, Molly knew Jon was worth every bit of patience she’d have to muster. And so began a test of endurance and optimism, with Molly steadfastly believing (aka beating the universe with a hammer) that their connection was the start of a forever adventure. Their summer was a whirlwind: countless (every) Wednesday night dates, a spontaneous birthday trip to Disney, an unforgettable journey through Ireland, and a special weekend in Montana. As the seasons changed, so did their lives: Molly welcomed two adorable dogs into her home, Jon adapted to swing shifts at TriMet and tirelessly studied for his EMT license, and military life resumed with full force. What many might see as ordinary life events were, in fact, pivotal milestones in their love story, each one reinforcing their certainty that they couldn’t imagine writing another chapter without the other by their side. By spring, it was time for the ultimate symbol of their love—a ring. Together, they designed a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind piece that would be cherished for a lifetime (making it nearly free #girlmath). In late August, after what felt like an eternity of patience, Jon got down on one knee and asked, "Molly, will you marry me?". With an ecstatic yes and a flurry of love-filled promises, their forever began.