In the world of modern dating, it's not uncommon to hear that a couple's journey started with two swipes, a match, and a creative pickup line (and in Stephon's case a gif). There was instant chemistry between us as we laughed and danced the night away. But our first date almost didn't happen. Our first attempt at picking a location failed when we discovered the restaurant had actually been closed for renovations. Marching through the bitter cold, Stephon quickly called an audible to a place he knew was open nearby. And thus how we ended up at a dive bar in Back Bay that was known to showcase Syracuse sports. But sometime between picking the new location and meeting up, Stephon's phone decided it was too cold to go on. As Christine stood outside the bar calling Stephon, all of her calls going to voicemail, she almost didn't go inside out of fear of being stood up. Finally, after about 15 minutes of deliberation and a promised backup date with the bouncer if Stephon wasn't there, she decided to make her way inside. Stephon waited anxiously by the door, hoping and praying he would even recognize Christine from her pictures if she did show up (online dating can be rough). Waiting and waiting, growing less and less optimistic, he finally saw a pretty woman with dark hair and frosty blue eyes walk in. His first thought was one of alleviation that she had come; his second, relief that she actually looked like her pictures (again, online dating can be rough). As Christine walked inside, the heat of the bar enveloped her with such a warmth in contrast to the single-digit temperature outside. And then she saw Stephon's face as his expression reflected the wave of relief he was feeling, and she felt another blast of warmth as he smiled, walked over to her, and took her hand. Conversation flowed seamlessly as we laughed and joked, a rhythm between us. After a couple more drinks than we intended, we took to the dance floor. And so our story began.

For those who don't know, early on in the pandemic we had to make the difficult decision to quarantine apart due to Stephon's exposure risk working in the hospital with a high risk population and Christine's respiratory issues. We were incredibly fortunate to have this option, where so many do not, thanks to the kindness of one of the Cornettes' closest family friends (Bob and Linda Sullivan). These months were incredibly challenging for both of us; testing us as people, as a couple, and as co-dog parents. The weeks continued to pass without even being able to hug each other. We made it work, but it hurt to be away from each other. One day, we were doing a "Jazzy exchange" and met up at El Prado park in Fort Lauderdale (shout out to Kalina for the recommendation). We planned to spend some time together outside for a few hours: Stephon brought wine, games, and most importantly a ball for Jazzy. The park was beautiful with a lush, grassy area facing the ocean. We kept our distance from each other the whole time; it was hard but it was so sensational just to be wrapped in the presence of one another. Stephon skillfully secured us two Adirondack chairs under a gazebo. We talked and reflected on how much we crave each other's presence; how being together is how we each feel whole. As the sun was setting, Stephon asked Christine to take a picture. He directed her to sit on the rock wall separating the park from the beach with her back to him. He wanted to get a picture of her facing the water as the sun set on this beautiful day. Stephon called out directions for the photo, meanwhile with her back facing him, he was frantically pulling up their song on his phone (and attempting to wrangle Jazzy in). He got the ring out, thankful he didn't lose it in the chaos, and asked Christine to turn around. When she did, there was Stephon. On one knee, the canvas of colors from the sunset behind him. Before he could even say a word, she said yes.