Like so many modern love stories, ours began with a swipe. We matched on Hinge after Francesca wrote on her profile, “breakfast for every meal.” Anthony couldn’t resist responding with, “you’re on to something here.” Naturally, our first date was planned around breakfast, but when plans fell through, fate had other timing in mind. The following Sunday night, we finally met at the Verona Inn. Over white sangria, with the Saints vs. Buccaneers game playing in the background, Anthony smiled the entire night. He asked questions like, “So are you 100% Italian?” and Francesca couldn’t help but go home smiling. Her mom knew right away: “No way you were out with ‘just a friend.’” Dating in the middle of COVID wasn’t easy, but we found our ways to connect. From playing Pokémon Go in Verona Park to Netflix Party movie nights, from Among Us games to Valentine’s Five Guys delivery dates (a tradition that continues every year!), our relationship grew. When Francesca finally introduced Anthony to her mom, she was instantly obsessed. Soon after, we discovered that our dads were from the same town and even grew up just a street apart. It felt like fate had been setting the stage for us long before we knew it. Over time, Anthony became Francesca’s best friend, and we became inseparable. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones like earning our master’s degrees and starting our careers, and we’ve also supported each other through life’s hardest moments, including the loss of loved ones. Through it all, our love has only deepened. What began with a swipe, a big smile, and a glass of white sangria has become the most meaningful journey of our lives and now we can’t wait to begin our forever together.