Like many couples, we met online. However, this isn't a dating app love story; we met in a Discord online server for the video game Final Fantasy XIV online! Our officiant, Sam Sherrod, "adopted" Paige into the group after finding her in-game, and she brought Eugene into the fold through a mutual friend. Paige always joked that the only way she'd find the love of her life was if he fell through her ceiling while she played FFXIV - and this was not too far off from what ended up happening!

Paige's Perspective The first thing that interested me in Eugene was his contagious laugh; it was impossible not to smile when hearing him laugh. His sharp, quick humor bounced off of mine well, and our banter felt natural. He exhibited a dry wit in voice calls, but when I sent him pictures of my two cats in direct messages, he gushed over them. That's when I knew he was something special - smart, funny, and something of a softie. I didn't know what he looked like at that point, but I was falling for the person he was on the inside. Eugene's Perspective I was first drawn to her just by how we were able to banter with each other. She was just fun to talk with. She was witty, funny, kind and our energy really matched well. I was comfortable being myself around her and that was big for me. It just felt natural.

Paige's Perspective We talked more and more over text, and at one point I joked how I should buy him a plush of his favorite Pokemon. He, to my surprise, actually sent me his address. Gauntlet thrown. I refused to be outdone. After some gassing up from Sam that I wasn't being totally creepy, I did indeed send a Piplup plush to his house! That gesture solidified our mutual interest. I knew after three weeks or so that I loved him - fast, but comfortable, and has held strong ever since. Eugene's Perspective I couldn’t believe she sent me the Piplup plush. I did give my address to see where it went, but I never thought it would go anywhere. Receiving it was a big sign that this was something more. It wasn’t just for fun.

Paige's Perspective I was SO nervous for him visiting me in Dallas for the first time. I knew what he looked like by that point but seeing someone in person was a whole other ballgame. I had a feeling it would take me a while to warm up to him being there - and I was right. He was so patient with me that first day until my brain clicked that the person standing in front of me was the same person whose heart I had been falling for. That trip solidified that he was the one for me, and that long distance would be worth it. Eugene's Perspective My biggest feeling before visiting was nervous that she wouldn’t like me in person. I was going down for nine days with no backup plan. If she didn’t like me, I didn’t know what I was going to do. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind what I would think. She was special, and while visiting and after I came back that idea was reinforced.

Long distance wasn't fun, but we made the most of our methods of communication. We called every night and most mornings, and enjoyed every time we got to chat. We made a handful of trips to see each other in our respective cities and cherished that time. We earned the approval of each other's families and friends, and looked toward the next step in our relationship, which came in March of 2024 when Eugene moved to Dallas so we could be together in person.

Paige's Perspective People often ask me if I knew the proposal was coming - I sure did. He told me he wanted to "go for a walk outside" for our 2-year dating anniversary three weeks in advance. And get dressed up a bit. When he didn't know the weather forecast that far ahead of time. Something was definitely up. I wouldn't have had it any other way. The day was gorgeous and I got to mentally prepare myself to take in every joyful moment. I felt bad because he was sick that day, but also took some gleeful fun in subtly teasing him, letting him know "we can reschedule our walk - it's just a walk outside!" knowing full well he did not want to let anything come between him and his plan. Seeing his smile as he got down on one knee in front of the Robert Indiana LOVE statue in Williams Park was priceless, as was the joy on my brother Evan's and his girlfriend Kaela's faces as they popped out for pictures. Those two added so much joy to that day, providing us with mimosas and holding a mini photoshoot, as did my parents, hosting a dinner with cake afterward. It means so much that my family loves him (almost) as much as I do. Eugene's Perspective We had talked at length about proposing already. We went together to pick out the ring she wanted. I knew that was going to go well. I was more nervous about what I was going to do. I’m not one for big speeches or flowery formal language. I couldn’t come up with words that felt right for the moment, but everyone I talked to had told me to be myself, so that’s what I did. During and after, everything felt right. For me, nothing really changed, and I think that’s good. It’s a big occasion, but it was just natural. My feelings haven’t changed. I still love her just the same and I always want to be with her.

In the meantime until our wedding, Eugene is continuing his journey toward becoming a black belt in Taekwondo, and 3rd degree black belt Paige is practicing alongside him every class. Paige is enjoying utilizing the maker space on SMU's campus to come up with 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and woodworking ideas for wedding DIY. Any ideas, feel free to reach out! Eugene is working toward his bachelors degree and Paige, her MBA. We truly couldn't do this without the steadfast support of George and Margie Baker, and all of our friends and family.