When Madigan took his first ever travel nurse contract in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he had no idea that his whole life was about to change. Just two blocks away, his perfect match was studying away in med school. Cupid’s arrow came in the form of a swipe and they were instantly smitten. Their first topic of conversation was, surprise surprise, travel. From the day they matched on December 10, they texted non-stop. Actually, they texted for 3 full weeks before ever meeting in person. Talk about anticipation! Their first date was planned by Madigan to a nice steak house that Salena had always dreamt of going to. Salena almost crashed pulling into the parking lot from nervousness and both of them tried to cover their nerves all night. Madigan put on a real show, ordering the most extravagant meal Salena had ever seen and topped it off with a surprise thoughtful gift of watercolors which Salena has since used once. Maybe twice. They talked for 5 and a half hours before realizing that the restaurant had actually closed twenty minutes prior. Their connection was… ~undeniable~ They talked every day and went on dates every chance they got, however, they did not officially start dating for several months. It was a very wise decision and very fun for Salena to finally tell her parents about the 29 year old guy with two kids who she “wasn’t dating” that was going to meet her in Portugal at the end of her big solo travel trip… But she knew in her heart that this guy was the start of something extra special. They officially started dating on March 22, 2023 at a Nepalese restaurant in Lisbon. Since then they have seen a sunset from the westernmost cliff in Europe, dove into the bright blue water of the Amalfi Coast, sipped wine in Tuscany, hiked active volcanoes in Guatemala, strolled through the romantic streets of Paris, explored medieval castles in Belgium, and have plans to take their love to every corner of the world. While they love traveling, nowhere is more special than home, and they are so blessed to have so many places to call home. Bethlehem will forever be the place that brought them together. A staple of their life and relationship is the frequent drive to Jersey Shore, always finding ways to do it together and make it fun. Nights in Phoenxiville spent gathered around the kitchen counter with Salena’s family are cherished moments. Now they patiently wait to find out where their love story will take them next, and look forward to finding a place to build a new home and grow roots of their own.