Dana and I first matched on Hinge in June of 2022. Right off the bat I knew there was something different about our connection. We immediately hit it off, learning we had similar backgrounds and upbringings. I knew that if I didn’t ask her out quickly, I may miss my chance - she seemed like a girl that knew what she wanted and I loved that about her. Shortly after matching, I asked if we could talk on the phone. When we did, we ended up talking for several hours that only felt like 5 minutes. I knew it was time to meet this wonderful girl in person. When discussing when to first meet, the day that Dana suggested conflicted with plans I already made with my family. I knew, though, I had to somehow make this date work. After talking with my family about the date, they understood how excited I was and agreed I should meet her that day. I am so glad I did! We chose to go to Craft Urban in Geneva for our first date. I wanted to make sure I was on time for the date and arrived about 20 minutes early. Unfortunately in the restaurant they don’t have much of a waiting area except for one giant chair when you walk in. I initially sat in it, but after feeling nervous, thought it was weird if I was just sitting in this giant chair when she walked in. Dana lived in Geneva at the time and was walking over from her place, so I just patiently stared out the window in this chair until I saw her walking up. My first reaction when I saw her was WOW she’s even more beautiful than in her pictures which I think made me all the more nervous. I greeted her with a hug and we began our date. I have to admit knowing Dana was a dietitian I was little nervous how she would respond to my love for fried food, beer, and ranch. I was happy to learn she too loved the balance of tasty and healthy food and we even ordered the cauliflower wings (with ranch!) as an appetizer. The rest of the dinner flew by and I really didn’t want the night to end. I was extremely happy when Dana suggested we go to a nearby bar after to have a drink and play some darts! As we were goofing around and playing darts I must’ve said something that Dana thought was cute and she immediately gave me a kiss. The sparks were flying and I was literally left speechless like a deer in headlights. I knew that there was something special with our connection. I loved how funny, sweet, and dedicated she was - like no one I have ever dated before. We continued to see each other every day for the next 2 weeks and the rest is history!

In the summer of 2022, I made the decision to get back into the dating world and restarted my Hinge account, hopeful and optimistic that I’d connect with a man who shared similar hobbies/interests, was close with his family and friends, practiced his faith, liked dogs, was an extrovert, and was close to where I lived at the time. One evening, while aimlessly swiping “next” through guys who had simply either just “liked” my profile or who had generically commented on my initial picture, I stopped, shocked to begin reading an initial comment from a guy named Kevin who’s comment had been so lengthy that the app would only let me continue to read it if I accepted his match request. I thought to myself, “Well, that’s some serious effort! I’ll give this guy a chance,” - not to mention his bright smile, good lookin’ charm, and his comment about Celine Dion on his initial profile page that made me literally laugh out loud. Within days of messaging through the app, Kevin suggested we take things a step further and talk over the phone - another first that I had yet experienced from anyone through the app, which showcased his genuine interest and confidence. Although I don’t recall much of our initial conversation, likely due to nerves and adrenaline, I gained a clear understanding of how our similar pasts, upbringings, and interests aligned. Before I knew it, I was walking out my door step and heading to meet Kevin in person for our first date at Craft Urban on July 1st. As soon as I turned the corner and had visibility of the doors of the restaurant I saw a handsome man (5 minutes early might I add!) smiling ear to ear, waiving to confirm he was Kevin. Our alchemy grew quickly and conversation flowed immediately, so much so that we had to send the server back several times because we couldn’t focus on selecting our drinks, apps, or dinner. After dinner, I simply didn’t want the date to end and was eager to show Kevin around more of my hometown. I took him to a local bar where we played darts and pool, and then to Geneva’s local brewery, Penrose, to attempt to beat him at shuffle board since I had so miserably lost all of the games before. I am only slightly competitive ;) It truly was a great evening, and I remember coming back home, hopeful Kevin felt the same way. Because it was a holiday weekend (July 4th), I had anticipated his busy social schedule would likely mean our next date wouldn’t be til the following week. To my surprise, I received a phone call from him the next day, asking if I was free that night and that he would leave his friends party in the city earlier so we could spend more time together. That night turned into two weeks of seeing each other daily, and, well, as they say, the rest is history!

Since July 1st, 2022, we have created countless memories. We have traveled and vacationed in 15 states, attended 13 weddings, cheered on the Chicago Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks and University of Iowa football and basketball teams at over 20 games, sung our hearts out at 2 festivals and 3 concerts, and celebrated many of our closest friends’ birthdays. Dana has naturally and quickly become an honorary Hawkeye, acquiring Kevin's passion for attending football and basketball games at home in Iowa City and on-the-road in Vegas, Michigan, and Chicago. Additionally, she has helped Kevin host his annual golf-outing event and Friendsgiving, sharing in his joy of bringing together their closest friends. On the contrary, Kevin has become the best dog-dad to Dunkin, Dana’s 3 year-old Aussiedoodle, and has learned a thing or two when it comes to ice skating and trying different cuisines. Together, we have continued to seek out and visit local breweries and restaurants whenever we travel and have even started a brewery sticker collection we hope to display in our new shared home one day. We both are most looking forward to bringing our closest friends and family together on our wedding day, while taking the time to appreciate your support throughout the years - well, and of course, seeing you all on the dance floor!