Nos casamos

Nanci and Javi met on Hinge, but their connection almost did not happen. On their first date in June 2022, everything that could go wrong…did—Nanci was hours late, went to the wrong restaurant, and even ended the date by getting Javi, the Arlington local at the time, on the wrong metro line that took them to Anacostia. But through it all, Javi handled every twist with so much grace, patience, and humor that Nanci couldn’t help but take note (literally—she wrote it all down in her Notes app with the heading "Best First Date Ever"). What stood out to Nanci even more was how effortlessly kind and intentional he was—generous with dinner and drinks, already planning their next date before the first one ended, and checking in on her when they both got sick with COVID. As they got to know each other, it became clear to Javi just how special their connection was. Javi’s affectionate nature complemented Nanci’s spirit of empathy, while her passion for domestic policy encouraged them both to stay curious. She embraced his quirks and his music, even spending hours going through The Beatles discography to send him her favorite songs.

Fast forward to February 7, 2026, and Javi got down on one knee to ask Nanci to marry him. After pivoting plans more than once because of the cold winter weather, he landed on The Dupont Circle Hotel—right in the heart of Nanci’s favorite neighborhood—as the perfect spot. While Nanci was at brunch, Javi was running his behind-the-scenes operation: picking up flowers from Trader Joe's, checking in on both families staying nearby in West End, and dropping Titan off with his sitters for the weekend. After brunch, Nanci walked by the hotel lobby and was surprised to find Javi leaning against the wall with a sweet smile. Somewhere between “you’re the love of my life,” “my dream girl,” and “the best dog mom to Titan,” he made it very clear the question that was coming next. To celebrate, the newly engaged couple headed a few blocks over to Mission Dupont Circle, where family and friends were already gathered, waiting with excitement. What almost didn’t get off the ground on that first, mishap-filled date somehow led to this moment—and in the end, it all came down to a simple yes.