Like many modern love stories, ours began with a swipe on Hinge. Alex liked one of Nicole’s pictures, and Nicole, being her confident and outgoing self, sent the first message. That small moment turned into a conversation that neither of us wanted to end. What started as a simple match quickly became one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. One conversation led to another, and soon enough, we found ourselves setting up a date. Now, we’ll be honest: our first date was not the effortless, movie-scene moment you might expect. Nicole did most of the talking, and getting Alex to open up felt a little like pulling teeth. But even through the awkwardness, there was something there, something that made both of us want a second date. And by the third, Alex was talking plenty. As we got to know each other, the balance between us became one of our favorite parts of our relationship. Nicole brings the spark and energy, and Alex brings the calm and steady. We bonded over our shared love for dogs, weekend rounds of golf, drives with country music playing a little too loudly, and escaping to our favorite place, the Thousand Islands. Whether we’re on the water soaking in the views, boating, exploring new spots, or just relaxing by the river, it’s a place that’s become part of our story and one that feels most like us. We also discovered that we both share a love for sports, even though we cheer for opposing teams. Alex is a loyal Miami Dolphins fan, while Nicole proudly stands by the Buffalo Bills. Despite the rivalry, watching games together has become one of our favorite traditions. From sunsets on the river to country concerts and long car rides, we’ve filled our time together with the simple moments that make us happiest. What began on a dating app, with a single “like” and a brave first message, has evolved into a partnership rooted in love, laughter, fun, and countless adventures, both big and small. And now, we’re so excited to celebrate the next chapter surrounded by the people who mean the most to us and who have been cheering us on from the start!