We're getting married!

Big shoutout to Hinge for its dutiful work in connecting Sara and me—but here’s my version of how it really went down: It was the summer of 2022. I had just turned 25, my prefrontal cortex was fully developed, and one morning—on a whim—I downloaded Hinge (and a few other dating apps, for good measure). Somehow, on that very first day—whether by God-ordained design or pure happenstance—Sara liked my profile and became my first Hinge date. Her profile said it all. She was well educated and well dressed (amen). She was a bit of a sneakerhead (y’all can Google that). She had traveled some. She was Latina, with big eyes and even curlier hair. Most importantly, she was Christian—and she said so plainly (green flag). We started chatting back and forth and decided to meet in person. Our first date featured adult Capri-Suns, knockoff Thin Mints, and chocolate-covered almonds. We spent the evening at Elm City Games, playing games she often played with her little patients. She walked in with her hands tucked into her jacket, Air Forces on her feet, and a smile that—right then—I knew I was going to fall in love with. Later that night, we grabbed food at a really bad Hispanic restaurant (tragic, honestly), then parted ways. In some ways, I just knew it wouldn’t be the last time we’d connect. In other ways, it was scary how compatible we already were. Three weeks later—and about seven dates in—it was clear that we had stumbled into something significant. Over the past three years, we’ve journeyed through great heartache, deep growth, in a relationship that keeps up with the punches. If I had all the time in the world, I’d tell you about the adventure and roller coaster of the years that followed. But this was the start of our story: a moment of love and connection that felt too good to be true, paired with an attitude from a girl I knew would keep me on my toes for the rest of my days. This is my story, and I’m sticking to it. I love me some Sari. ♥️