Andrew & I first met on Bumble, a dating app. Yes, yes... we met online. I credit my friend Brittney with our having met. If she hadn’t intervened by saying “He has a picture with a squirrel! If you don’t swipe right Tori I swear…” who knows what would have happened. Neither of us had plans for 4th of July, so with zero expectations, we spontaneously met downtown for the fireworks. We connected at first sight. As we sat in a booth at Tropical Liqueurs, it felt as if we already knew one another. It was oddly kismet. We talked for hours, about everything. We were big readers, animal lovers, both passionate about music, film & comic books. We shared the same values & life experiences. Even our quirks seemed compatible. We putzed around, eventually settling at Broadway Brewery for some Blue Heron Cider. We became so intensely focused on our conversation that we lost all interest in going back upstairs for the fireworks. At nearly 1 am we decided to part ways, as we both worked in the morning. We made plans to see one another again soon. And after a second date, we were decidedly, mutually exclusive. We've been together ever since; through thick & thin, money & moths. We moved in together along with my dogs Deedles & Davidge, & Andrew’s cat River. We adopted Ripley, a boney cat who we fattened with tuna. Then we made a move to a cabin in the country, where we could breathe fresh air and see the stars. We adopted a kitten, who for some strange reason we both wanted to name Jack... and subsequently we adopted yet another kitten, Timber, our half-siamese noodle-cat. We love our little family unit. You never know when or if you’re going to find your person. We can both agree without a doubt, that we are very lucky to have found one another, and can’t wait to share our lives together.

When we met, I knew Tori was special. We shared our values, & loved the same things: music, animals, cooking & comic books. We could talk forever. She was fun & spontaneous. Those who know me best know I’m the opposite. I enjoy being a homebody. This may be cliché, but she is the Yin to my Yang. She encourages sunshine & fresh air. I teach her how to relax. I remember the night I decided to propose. We were visiting with close friends & their son. He was a precocious little thing, & while I was chatting, Tori was kneeled down, playing with him, taking the time to include him. I thought to myself, “I want to raise a family with her.” I commissioned a silver ring with a peridot stone. I planned to recreate our 1st date & propose on our 1 year. The day of, it was pouring rain. Walking downtown wasn't going to be easy. On the spot I decided to change my proposal. We had visited a shop called Rock Bottom Comics often enough to make friends with the co-owner, James. As our favorite, it was our first stop of the night. With my comics in hand, I made sure to beat Tori to the counter. As James handed me the bag, I pulled the ring from my pocket & slid it in. We normally shared our finds, so I knew she would want a look-over. As he realized what I was doing, James gave me a faint smile. Walking to the car, I looked around for people, knowing gawkers would make her uneasy. It was still raining, so we paused under the shelter of a tree. I asked “Want to see what I got?” She said yes, & pulled the comics out. I told her to keep looking, “There’s something else in there…” She stuck her head in the bag, saying " I don't see anyth..." She looked up at me with a ring in her hand. I asked “Will you collect comic books with me forever?” She said yes, trying not to cry. As it turned out, she had a surprise for me as well: A silver ring, with an engraved starburst & amethyst stone. She had predicted my plan & made one herself. She truly is the Yin to my Yang.