It was in the worst of times that Alex + Eric would have their last swipe. Eric was nursing a hangover from a Halloween party with his COVID bubble. Alex had just sworn off in-person dates during the pandemic after an unfortunate encounter. This was the backdrop to Eric's first message to Alex: "Oh my god that little pup 😍 Does he go on adventures with you? With safari hat and sunglasses I hope." And this was the start of Charlie and Eric's relationship...just kidding!

Alex and Eric's first date was via video chat, a trend that would continue for a few months with some in-person dates sprinkled in, including going to the driving range and playing tennis. It was during this time that they learned about each-other, spending hours talking and texting about their thoughts, interests, and life. This included their Italian heritage, graduate school experiences (including Eric's PhD and Alex's work as an OT), and their love of music, science, and travel. They watched two seasons of The Wire remotely and during one date Eric shipped groceries to Alex's apartment to cook rigatoni alla carbonara together 🤌. The distance ended in January 2021, when they decided to break the barrier and spend the pandemic together, in person <3

In August 2022, three very important things happened: — Eric finally graduated with his PhD — Alex + Eric traveled to Italy (for longer than expected...) — Alex + Eric + Charlie moved in together. For months, as one can expect, Eric's PhD had become a sort of "fourth person" in their relationship (Charlie was the third). They knew that going on a trip to Italy would be the perfect way to kick off a new chapter. When Alex unfortunately got COVID for the first time in Italy, they nestled themselves in a penthouse Airbnb in the neighborhood of Monti in Rome, a place that holds a special place in their heart. In Monti, Eric finished up the last few objectives of his dissertation while helping Alex recover. He even bought a computer monitor to stay productive! They also watched all 8 Harry Potter movies which was essential to Alex's recovery. Serendipitously, their stay in Rome, COVID and all, rounded out Eric's dissertation when he needed it most. He returned to LA prepared to complete what he started. With the PhD out of the way, life could finally begin in the way that they wanted 😌

When you know, you know. Alex knew the proposal was coming, but she didn't know when! Sneakily, Eric tentatively planned the proposal during a friends trip to the Coachella Valley. Nobody knew his plans until the night before (including Eric) which led to a very unsuspecting Alex, who wanted to go back to Los Angeles ASAP. Eric and friends convinced her to go visit family, only for a little bit, before heading back to LA. It was here, in the family neighborhood, that Eric took her to a secret little spot nestled in the hills to pop the question. Friends and family united at the Peltola residence to celebrate and all the engagement fun began :)