Alex and Marissa matched on Bumble, where Marissa made the first move by complimenting Alex’s impeccable taste in music — specifically, his top Spotify artists. (Pro tip: if you want someone to fall for you, start with their playlists.) Alex, never one to waste time, replied by asking the most important question: “So, which show are we going to first?” From there, things moved quickly — in the best way. They texted non-stop, sharing everything from music to voice notes, including one unforgettable message where Alex, ukulele in hand, learned to play a John Mayer song just to impress Marissa. Their first date finally arrived on a Friday night in October, when Alex introduced Marissa to the highly underrated art of cold pizza. After saying goodnight, Alex, in a moment of charming boldness, asked if they could hang out again tomorrow. Marissa, thankfully, said yes. The next day turned into a marathon second date — movies turned into their first of many Applebees' dinners, dinner turned into froyo, and froyo turned into something much more. From that weekend on, it was clear: this wasn’t just a fling. It was the beginning of their forever playlist. Since then, the two have been inseparable, building a life full of love, laughter, and just a little bit of chaos. They’ve shared countless adventures and road trips, always with their ever-present third wheel, Delilah, happily tagging along — ears flopping in the breeze and tail wagging with approval (as long as she can always be in the middle).

By December, things were feeling just right, and Marissa and Alex decided to make it official: they were moving in together. Alex graciously welcomed not only Marissa, but also her lovable entourage — Delilah, and feline co-conspirators Oliver and Schmidt — into his once-quiet bachelor pad. It didn’t take long for the place to transform. Gallery walls went up, cat toys took over the corners, and tumbleweeds of dog fur became part of the decor. But amidst the cozy chaos, there was always space made for Alex’s Legos. Because in this growing home, everyone had a corner to call their own — whether it had paw prints, scratch marks, or a perfectly built Millennium Falcon. Their love grew not just in shared spaces, but in the everyday moments: weekend grocery runs, rainy day naps on the couch, and building a life that felt equal parts spontaneous and meant to be.

As the months passed, life together started to feel like second nature. Whether they were exploring new cities, hunting for the perfect scrapbook junk, or debating if lasagna could be considered a type of cake (a conversation that remains ongoing), Marissa and Alex knew they had found their person. It wasn’t just about the big trips, sweaty concerts or the holidays — it was the quiet, steady joy of doing life side by side. From navigating life with a full house of paws and claws to celebrating every small win (like when Marissa occasionally beats Alex at the New York Times crossword), they were creating a home filled with warmth, humor, and a whole lot of takeout containers. Did you know Alex finally got Marissa to try (and enjoy) Chinese food?

Eventually, Alex knew it was time. After countless shared memories, adventures, and lazy Sundays spent with their furry crew, he started planning a proposal that would feel meaningful and unmistakably them. He chose Taughannock Falls — a place that had become a quiet cornerstone in their love story. Nestled in Ithaca, a town full of memories from their many weekend getaways, it was the perfect spot to begin their next chapter. Surrounded by the sound of the rushing water and the crisp upstate air, Alex got down on one knee and asked Marissa to spend forever with him. And of course, she said yes. It was the kind of moment that felt like it had been written into their story from the very beginning — ever since that first message about Spotify artists and that bold second-day froyo. Now, they’re planning their wedding with the same energy they've brought to everything else in their relationship: heartfelt, fun, and with room for a little chaos (and probably some Lego centerpieces if Alex gets his way). With Delilah, Oliver, and Schmidt cheering them on in their own way, and their home filled with laughter and love, Marissa and Alex are getting ready for their greatest adventure yet — marriage.