In the middle of COVID, when the world felt distant and uncertain, we met each other on Hinge. A digital spark igniting something that would soon become so much more. Our first date wasn’t in a crowded bar or in a cafe but in the parking lot of a restaurant in the suburbs of Chicago. Soon after, we spent our time in Madison where Samantha was in graduate school, losing track of time and spending more and more time getting to know each other. We shared our worlds—discovering common ground in football, food, and music while appreciating the differences that made us unique. Ryan introduced Samantha to his favorite songs. And Samantha brought out the foodie within Ryan. And somehow, everything we shared became a part of us. When life brought us to Chicago, our story evolved in ways we couldn’t have imagined. At first, we were just a few blocks apart, enjoying the city and creating new experiences together. It didn’t take long before those few blocks disappeared, and we made the leap to live under one roof. Each chapter has been filled with moments big and small. Whether it’s laughing over shared playlists, debates over football teams, trying new restaurants, or creating a home that reflects the love we’ve built. What began as a chance match during Covid has grown into something so much more. And this is just the beginning. We are so excited for what is to come!