Stuart and Morgan (or Stu and Mo, to some) met in 2017, about a week after Morgan entered the world of dating apps. She went with Bumble, where the female reaches out first, and came across Stuart’s profile. For whatever reason, Morgan decided to start their conversation with a pun. For anyone who knows Stuart, you know that this was absolutely the right call. “What do you get when you cross an elephant with a rhino?”... “Eliphino:)” For their first date, Stuart suggested a local dive bar recommended by a friend. He had never been to the spot before, and much to his dismay, when he arrived he found the place to be quiet, without music, and empty except for a small group of friends who clearly knew the bartender. The floor: sticky. The cigarette smell: potent. The romantic atmosphere: absent. All that aside, Morgan and Stuart took an instant comfort with each other. Shortly after their initial greetings, they decided to ditch the locals bar and spend the night exploring downtown Columbia instead. They learned about each other’s travels over beer at a local brewpub; discussed movies under the colorful robots inhabiting what became their favorite bar to-date; and shared hopes and dreams over late night blueberry pancakes. Eight hours passed in the blink of an eye and they parted ways to the symphony of early morning street sweepers. Believe it or not, this would be Morgan’s first and only online date. Since that night, eight hours gave way to eight years as Stuart and Morgan built a life together, which has taken them from Columbia, SC, to Richmond, VA, and now to Boston, MA. Over the years they have grown closer through their shared interests and willingness to try new things together. They've found connection through their shared love of movies and local music. They've supported each other through adversity and uncertainty as Stuart started medical training in the midst of a pandemic and Morgan pivoted creative career paths. Their travels have spanned the continental US, from Portland to Yosemite to Acadia, as well as overseas as they sipped Guinnesses in Dublin and toasted champagne after their proposal in Italy! They continue to find new activities to enjoy together, including but not limited to ice skating, climbing, and figure drawing. Stuart and Morgan also had the privilege of getting to know each other’s people and developing new relationships as a couple. They are so thrilled to continue their story together and begin this new chapter with the people who mean so much to them.

During Stuart and Morgan’s aforementioned first date, Morgan told Stuart about the formative and incredibly special experience she had during her study abroad in Italy. She told him about her life in Florence, her adventures in Rome, and one of her favorite places in the world; Cinque Terre, a string of five centuries-old seaside villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. Seven years later, after Stuart finished his medical residency, he planned an “anniversary” trip for the two of them to explore those same landmarks together. They dazedly toured the colosseum after their red-eye flight, giddily enjoyed Morgan’s favorite pizza and pastries in Florence, and, On May 3, 2024, Stuart proposed to Morgan on a hilltop castle in Vernazza, Cinque Terre.

♥