Once upon a swipe, Alura accidentally swiped left on TJ's Bumble profile, almost “Bumbling” their future relationship in the summer of 2021. But fate wasn't going to let them miss out on their chance. TJ, unaware of the mishap, disappeared from the app for a month, only to reappear before Alura's hopeful eyes. This time, she was ready. With a careful swipe to the right and a clever opening line about puns, they began a conversation that quickly revealed their shared love for games and adventure. Their first date, at Goodberry’s, was a mutual test: if it went south, they could swiftly drown their misfortune in frozen custard and part ways, never to return. Instead, four hours flew by in a blur of laughter and stories, leaving them both reluctant to say goodbye. And that, my friends, was the beginning of their epic co-op adventure.

Months later, they leveled up their relationship and formed an exclusive alliance on September 5th, 2021. Together, they embarked on countless quests, hiking through the great outdoors and battling it out in virtual and tabletop realms. They seamlessly integrated into each other's circles, gaining new party members among friends and family.

On April 2nd, 2022, Alura decided if someone was going to say “I love you” first, it would have to be her, hoping TJ wouldn’t pull a Han Solo and reply with a casual “I know.” Armed with TJ’s favorite snacks and puns, she declared her love. His response? An eye roll and a chuckle, followed by an “I love you too” sealing their bond with a mix of groans and giggles.

Their relationship was a whirlwind of adventures: from traversing distant lands like Texas, Georgia, and Virginia, to exploring NASA and savoring new cuisines. Together, they braved their firsts at the Georgia Aquarium, conquered Stone Mountain, and screamed through Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. Their shared love for movies and TV shows led them to the epic saga of One Piece, now nearly halfway conquered.

On August 20, 2023, TJ decided it was time to rank up from boyfriend to fiancé, purchasing an engagement ring and entrusting it to their friends, Kiersten and Jason. The proposal plan was set for their trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. But when the big moment came, with the sun rising on the mountainscape view from their porch, the chill of the cold morning breeze sent Alura scurrying into the welcoming embrace of warmth inside before TJ could attempt to signal Kiersten for the ring. Undeterred, they spent the day in Gatlinburg, with TJ dismissing the sky bridge as a proposal spot due to fears of dropping the ring into the fiery pits of Mordor (or just off the mountainside).

After a meal at Bubba Gump, they drove back to Pigeon Forge, stopping at a scenic pull-off along the way. Alura found a spot by a creek, and as she enjoyed the view, Kiersten asked TJ if he was ready. With a nod, the moment arrived. Placing his hands on her shoulders, TJ began, "SO," only to be interrupted by Alura's laughter, unaware of what was about to unfold. Undeterred, he continued with his proposal, and before he could finish, she joyfully exclaimed, "YES!" An Achievement was unlocked as the two became engaged.

The couple eagerly anticipates embarking on this new chapter in their lives and would be honored to have you join them in celebrating. They invite you to witness and partake as they exchange their vows, as two rings bring them all and in marriage bind them.