Jonathan and Allison met in 2021, thanks to Allison's friend (and roommate at the time), Miriam. One humid late July afternoon, Allison went to visit Miriam at her workplace, Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. While she waited for Miriam, she saw a dashing, handsome brown man in gym shorts and flip flops running (literally) late to his meeting at the top of the Finish Tower.

That man was Jonathan.

Once the meeting was over, Miriam introduced Allison and Jonathan, and it was love at first sight — at least for Allison (Jon's note: I was alllll about it).

After a week or so, Miriam and Allison had a night on the town — well, as much as one can in Sarasota. Miriam ended up texting Jonathan to meet us out (I think for a ride? For us to meet again? We'll never know lol) and once again, Jonathan and Allison hit it off, right in the middle of dusty old Smokin' Joe's bar (we both say "ew" every time we tell this tale).

We laughed, danced and somehow got invited into a random woman's bachelorette party game (?!) and Jonathan's humor and charm won Allison over (Jon's note: I'm convinced she only thought I was charming because it was so loud she couldn't hear what I was saying).

They knew some sparks were flying.

One little detail, though. Jonathan was moving away to Seattle, Washington, in about one month's time! So, what'd they do? Made the most of their one month together, going on dates (their first for margaritas (Jon's note: I do love an ice cold marg) and tacos), taking drives, going dancing and even meeting each other's friends. They made the most of what felt like the perfect summer.

When it was finally time to say goodbye, it felt a little too hard to let go. Allison felt something more was there, and despite Jonathan's hesitancy to do long distance (Jon's note: I admit it), they began a long distance Seattle-to-Sarasota-and-back relationship. It was a wild year, taking trips back and forth to see each other, and growing closer each and every time. They even spent their first Christmas together... in quarantine... sick with Covid...where they (despite the circumstance) said "I love you" for the first time.

Finally in October 2022, Allison moved out to Seattle, after the two decided living apart sucked (Jon's note: I was not a fan). They've been living in Seattle ever since, and trying to acclimate as much as two Florida babies can (Jon's note: it's true, we're babies, we suck at cold weather). It's been fun navigating a new city together, with each other's best friend by their side (Jon's note: that's me!).

And in June 2023, Jonathan popped the question, at a beautiful little park overlooking a river, with a ring they had picked out together months before (Jon's note: one of my smarter moves). They are so excited for their January 2025 wedding, where they can represent their love, celebrate and hopefully, party real hard with everyone they love, too!