Paul and Vanessa's love story is a testament to the fact that even a global pandemic can't stop true love. Or, at least, a really persistent guy. Their tale is a classic "boy meets girl (online), girl repeatedly rejects boy, boy finally wins girl over with the charm of a basketball" narrative. It all began in the bleak, hope-filled days of early 2020 when Paul decided to roll into Vanessa's DMs with the hopes of sparking a conversation but had no luck. The playful messaging continued for the next couple of months, but the most he could get out of her was “Thank you!” or, sadly, no response. But fear not, romance enthusiasts, because destiny had other plans. Paul was out celebrating his birthday with friends, and with the help of liquid courage and the green light from one of their mutual friends, he decided to roll that basketball (emoji) into her DMs, and this time she said more than two words! The two hit it off via messaging, and Vanessa agreed to a first date, but she ended up bailing on that first date three times! What is that saying - “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.”?! Paul asked Vanessa a fourth time and it finally happened (three weeks later)! Vanessa was so nervous so she took a shot of whiskey in the car before she walked up to meet him. Five hours later they were still talking. And the rest, as they say, is history! The two of them love to travel, try new restaurants, rage to EDM and hang with their friends. They became parents to their fur baby Gino two years ago and he is the love of their lives! Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can find a way. And sometimes, all it takes is a basketball and an unwavering belief in yourself and in love!