On New Years’ Day of 2024, Alex decided to take the plunge into online dating. Through an ethereal connection of volition and willpower, the universe brought Alex a man in the spitting image of her wishes on the dating app Hinge after only 3 days using the service. After a conversation of plant-based diets kicked off their first interaction, the couple hit it off immediately. On January 13th, Ryan invited Alex to a tour of his neck of Philadelphia, the Spring Garden area. On a blustery but sunny afternoon, their eyes met for the first time in the tightly confined waiting area of Cafe Lyft. As if they’d known each other for eternity but had a lifetime to catch up on, the conversation never took pause (nor has it since, as far as anyone can tell). The two played board games at Thirsty Dice, ate a lovely meal at Prohibition Taproom, and had paparazzi snap a picture of them as they finished their night at La Chinesca. As the night came to a close and they headed for the subway station, the couple already understood — and spoke aloud — that their meeting seemed almost destined, and that they’d found their forever person. Over the following year and a half, the two have gone through a number of phases but never relented in their pursuit of one another. After Alex forced the issue at Milkboy on their third date, the two became an official item. From adorable gifts and lengthy messages on cards to enjoying their transition to a vegan diet together, the couple’s fondness and connection only grew. Ryan learned that he loved taking care of cats, and Alex took up tending to a small windowsill garden, sharing their lives and small joys. Their individual vivacities are only amplified in one another’s presence, and the “diplomatic” speech they use with one another pales in comparison to the joking and sarcasm within which they laugh. On May 17th the next year, the couple took a trip to the shore to visit Ryan’s parents. After some subversive planning choices from Alex and poorly laid hints from Ryan, he walked her down to the waterside sand for a walk in the setting sun. What she did not expect was a bottle in the sand, encased in a heart with the couple’s names. He knelt, she said yes, and that’s when the real surprises began. Ryan’s cousin Katie and her boyfriend Nick received the two on the beach, as they had been sneakily taking photos and video from afar. Then, after an impromptu photo shoot, Alex’s parents, best friends, and Ryan’s best friends surprised her at the house for an engagement celebration, orchestrated by Ryan. The couple is thrilled to embark on their next journey of marriage together, and to celebrate their wedding with each of you!