The "Invisible String Theory" suggests that everyone is connected to their destined partner by an unseen, unbreakable bond, often referred to as an invisible string. Grant and I met during freshman year of college, though neither of us remembers it. The moment was captured in a photo. I was posing with my sorority sister, Monika, when a ginger hopped into the shot. After a quick greeting, we parted ways and continued mingling at the pregame before heading to the University of Illinois’s bar scene. Our names may have passed each other’s ears, and Grant may have seen me guest bartend once (or twice). Years passed — Grant moved to the city to start his career, and I stayed in Champaign to finish graduate school. When I returned to the city, I knew I wanted to be intentional about finding what I knew I deserved. It took not one, but two matches with Grant on separate dating apps (Hinge, sponsor us!) to say yes to a half-priced bottle at Monkey’s Paw (men in their early twenties are so original). We hit it off instantly and made it through Grant’s mustache era, the final CFA exam, my autoimmune journey, and carving out both of our career paths. Grant getting down on one knee reminded me of the first time he told me he loved me — in an alley after getting tacos at the hole-in-the-wall joint just two blocks down from his place. The smile that didn’t fade for days. The invisible string theory is proving to be as strong as ever. Grant is one of the most disciplined yet compassionate people I know. We continue to inspire each other to reach for our dreams. We are so thankful for the incredible people in our lives who have supported us along the way. We’re excited for all the moments yet to come as we continue building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. We look forward to celebrating our marriage with you!