Paul and Christina met through an online dating app called Match. Christina saw Paul first and was instantly struck by what she sensed as sincere, real and familiar. Paul seemed like someone she could get comfortable with - a feeling of home she had longed to find for so many years. Without hesitation Christina reached out to Paul and waited, thinking he would be in touch at the end of his workday. She couldn't wait to hear from him. Christina wasn't normally so quick to reach out, but it felt like she already knew him. And it was a good thing she did because Paul's required distance for dating would have prohibited him from seeing her profile. Paul responded as soon as he got out of work and the two clicked immediately. They spoke morning and night and texted throughout the day for a few weeks before meeting in person. Their first date was a drink in West Hartford, followed by an escape room and dinner at Barcelona restaurant. Christina was amazed by Paul's brilliance in the escape room - thinking "we only made it out of there because of him." At dinner they enjoyed tapas and a delicious bottle of wine from Barcelona. Years later, Paul would tell Christina he was committed the moment he met her. She was equally smitten. The two quickly became inseparable after that first date, spending every weekend together, running off to NYC to see Broadway shows, walking in Central Park and trying different restaurants. After four months of dating, Paul invited Christina to Ecuador to meet his family. It was an amazing trip meeting Paul's family, and had a profound impact on Christina. When the two returned to the U.S., Christina told Paul she didn't know what the future held but she knew she wanted it to be with him. Paul responded by grabbing his phone and looking at condos in Connecticut. Right there, they found their first home, and within a couple months, Christina moved to Connecticut. It has been six years since then and they have been the happiest years of their lives. They are so excited to begin this next chapter, and to celebrate it with all of you.

On a family trip to the Mediterranean, on the most beautiful rooftop overlooking Venice, Italy, Paul got down on one knee and asked Christina to marry him. Christina sensed Paul's nerves and just kept hugging him. Paul said, "will you please put the ring on before it falls off the ledge?" "Yes, yes, yes" Christina answered with sheer happiness. Paul's parents and son, Nico were videotaping the whole thing and there to celebrate immediately, and in the days to follow. They spent the next seven days celebrating with family while cruising to Croatia, Turkey and the Greek Islands.