Like many modern love stories, ours began on Hinge in 2023. What we didn’t realize at the time was that fate had already been working behind the scenes. Our friend groups overlapped, and we’d even been invited to the same gatherings, but the timing just hadn’t lined up yet. That all changed with our first date in February. From the start, everything felt easy and exciting. At a St. Patrick’s Day party hosted by Joe’s sister, luck would have it that we made it official. From then on, everything seemed to fall into place as if it were always meant to be. In July 2024, we moved into our first apartment together in Logan Square, a home quickly filled with laughter and love. From the very beginning, both of our families and friends could see something special between us. One year later, in July 2025, Joe picked up the ring. He had it for less than 24 hours before planning a date downtown. After dinner he suggested a walk and as we made our way along the riverwalk toward the lake and he got down on one knee. It was simple, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect. Looking back, it feels like the universe, and maybe a little luck, knew all along. This was always meant to be!