Our journey began on Hinge, where we swiped right and started chatting. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. His demanding schedule as an NYPD officer made it difficult to find time to meet, and after several failed attempts, I started to wonder if we’d ever actually cross paths. Life was busy, and it felt like the universe was determined to keep us apart. Eventually, we made it happen—meeting up at a Mexican restaurant for food and drinks. But when we sat down, the connection I had hoped for wasn’t there. I wasn’t sure he was looking for anything serious, and after that night, I made the decision to ghost him, thinking our story had already come to an end. For the next month or two, I didn’t respond to his messages. But that didn’t stop him. His persistence was unlike anything I’d ever experienced, and the way he continued to reach out and show me he cared kept me curious. Just as I was ready to walk away, something shifted. After his birthday, I saw his sincerity, and I realized I had judged him too quickly. There was so much more to him than I had first seen, and I knew I wanted more. More of him, more of us. I couldn’t let him go without giving us a real chance. So, on May 8, 2022, I asked him out. From that moment on, everything changed. We made it official, and I just knew—without a doubt—that we were meant to be. What started as playful flirting, a hesitant first date, some ghosting, and a lot of uncertainty blossomed into something real, deep, and everlasting. Looking ahead to the rest of our lives, we’re thankful for the unexpected twists that brought us here, knowing that sometimes the best stories unfold when we least expect them. We’re excited for the adventure that lies ahead, side by side.

It was the perfect morning in Venice, and I could hardly contain my excitement. I had been dreaming of this moment for what felt like forever, and now it was finally here. I was about to ask the woman of my dreams to marry me. As we glided through the canals in a gondola, I felt nervous but in the best way possible. My 6'2" frame barely fit in the tiny boat, and I tried to steady myself as I fumbled through my bag for the ring. Finally, I pulled it out and, with a racing heart, blurted, “Will you marry me?” She looked at me with wide eyes, and then that smile—her smile—lit up the entire city. Without hesitation, she said, “Yes! Thank you.” In that moment, my heart soared. The rest of the day felt like a blur of excitement and happiness. The canals, the gondola, and the beauty of Venice all faded into the background as we realized how much our lives were about to change. It wasn’t just about love anymore; it was about building a future together.