We frequently joke that online dating as two introverts was our first true test as a couple. Although we lived only half a mile from each other, had both studied at Western Washington University at the same time, and even had mutual acquaintances, we didn’t meet until we found each other on Hinge. It all started with a Lord of the Rings Prompt on Shelby’s profile that read, “I’ll fall for you if…. You watch LOTR: The Two Towers, you watch THAT scene and say ‘Did you know ____?’” To which, Jon being the movie fanatic he is, correctly guessed what piece of trivia she was referencing. (IYKYK) We instantly developed a connection over our shared interest in nerdy things, being homebodies, and our love for Halloween.

We both love the Autumn, all things pumpkin spice, and have watched over 100 horror films together (and counting), so an October proposal in a pumpkin patch was fitting! Jon proposed at Bellewood Acres, our favorite pumpkin patch and apple orchard we go to every year.

It started as an inside joke that “Jelby” would be our Celebrity couple name, and over time evolved to become “Team Jelby” within our friend group. What started as an ironic joke became a shorthand.