Michael and I met on Bumble during a time when I was navigating a new city, working remotely, and surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Like many people today, I turned to apps to find both friends and dates. I’m so glad I did. After going on and off the apps, feeling worn out and ready to call it quits, I took one last chance—and that’s when I met a cute, redheaded dweeb who changed everything.

At the time, I was in a place where I was ready to take risks and see where life would lead me. My sights were set on adventure, and I had plans to take control of my future by moving to Europe for good. I thought I had explored Texas enough and was ready to move on. With tickets booked for an extended trip to Scotland, I had convinced myself that nothing—and certainly no one—would stand in my way. Or so I thought.

Our first date was at a cozy ramen shop near UTSA during a rare cold spell in San Antonio. I’d styled my hair, picked my favorite comfortable outfit, and prepared myself for what I was sure would be a pleasant, but ultimately forgettable, evening. After all, this guy had already rescheduled on me once, so my expectations were low. I parked a block away and braved the chilly, dark night, feeling a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

But when I opened the door to that ramen shop, I was greeted by Michael’s warm smile—a grin so wide it lit up the entire space. We sat down, and from the very start, something felt different. He was charming, genuinely curious, and asked thoughtful questions about me. Unlike many of my past dates, there was no need to pry conversation out of him. He engaged, he listened, and he made me feel completely at ease. So much so that when he suggested getting frozen yogurt after dinner, I said yes—despite the cold weather—and even trusted him enough to ride together in his car. We were the only people brave (or foolish) enough to enjoy froyo that night, and I found myself wishing the evening would never end. I wanted to know more about this endearing dweeb—but still kept him at arm’s length. There was no way I’d let myself fall in love before my Scotland adventure.

A month later, I knew I was in trouble. Against all my plans and determination, I’d fallen for the sweet redhead who made me laugh and feel seen in ways I hadn’t before. I even invited him to join me in Scotland, and two years and countless adventures later, I can safely say that I fell hard for the guy who started it all at that little ramen shop. Now, I’m beyond excited to start a life with Michael, create a family together, and have my adventure partner for life.

When I met Amanda, I’d nearly given up on finding my person. Like so many before me, I gave online dating a whirl—crafting a profile with way too much care, only to find… not much. Then, just when I thought my luck had run out, she messaged me. One message, one spark that would light up everything.

We planned our first date at a ramen spot by the University of Texas at San Antonio. But I had to reschedule, thanks to a surprise bout of sickness. In a move of pure grace, she agreed to meet again, and I can’t thank her enough. So, on a chilly February evening, I found myself waiting in that ramen shop, casually chatting with a fellow patron when, suddenly, I was utterly distracted. She walked in with a warm glow, her blue eyes bright, red hair trailing behind her, and right then I knew—I was in serious trouble. “I have to be really funny and charming now,” I thought. “I somehow managed to land the only cute redhead in San Antonio!”

From the moment we sat down, I was hooked. She was witty and sharp, making me laugh in ways that felt so easy, so natural. Conversation flowed effortlessly, each topic peeling back another layer of this extraordinary woman. I couldn’t stop thinking about her afterward and was counting down the hours to our next date.

From then on, she lit up my whole world. Exploring a city I’d known forever suddenly felt new and alive. But there was one hitch—Amanda was headed to Scotland for who knew how long. I faced the choice: do I protect my heart, or risk it all and fall for this amazing, maybe-soon-to-disappear woman? I took the leap, telling myself I’d love her for as long as I had the chance. With a heart pounding in my chest, I asked her to be my girlfriend. Little did I know that after one Scotland trip and two years, I’d be asking this beautiful, hilarious, one-of-a-kind woman to be my wife.

And here we are. I can’t wait for all the adventures still to come—small towns, camping trips, and someday, starting a family. Sharing this day with you means everything to us. Thank you for being part of our story.