We met the modern way, online. And like any great love story, it didn’t start with immediate success. It actually took me two tries to get Stephanie to go on a first date with me. One attempt to ask her out, and then another to ask again but better. She had actually forgotten I had even asked the first time. It turns out persistence and good timing go a long way. Our early dates were what you’d call a very normal, very classic romance. It all started with mimosas at Cracker Barrel, followed by a few very one-sided pool games, and then Stephanie completely wiping the lanes with me at bowling. I’d say we were going steady by our third date: a wine and paint night followed by dinner at TGI Friday’s, which was Stephanie’s favorite restaurant that we somehow never went to ever again. From the beginning, it was clear we laughed easily, competed often, and genuinely enjoyed being together. Somewhere between all of that, we realized this was something different. We both knew we were the one for each other the night we slow danced in our hotel room after our friend’s wedding. No crowd, no pressure, just the two of us. It was quiet, simple, and felt exactly right. I’d also say we’re the right match because we love sleeping half the day like a couple of lizards, we never stop joking with each other, and we will always dance at weddings. Most importantly, we found someone it’s okay to let your weird side show with. The kind of love where you feel completely comfortable, completely yourself, and completely sure you want to spend your life together. And that’s how we got here. Best friends, partners, dance floor buddies, and ready for whatever comes next together.