Amy and Chris embarked on their remarkable journey of love and family on a cold February 8th, 2019, when they had their very first date at The Burning Buffalo on Hertel Ave in Buffalo, NY. Fate had brought them together through the world of online dating, as they had matched on Tinder.

Amy, a mother of two incredible children (Maya (6) and Soren (2)), had already experienced her fair share of Tinder date adventures, while for Chris, a dedicated teacher and father of a 2-year-old son named Noel, this was his inaugural Tinder encounter. Both were navigating life as single parents after going through divorce, and they shared the common dream of a fresh start.

Chris, admittedly nervous, couldn't help but talk excitedly throughout the evening. Amy, having heard wonderful things about Chris beforehand, graciously allowed him to share. Their connection was instantaneous, and their first date extended from drinks and food at the bar to another bar across the street. They talked late into the night, oblivious to the fact that it was a school night – but it simply felt right. As they parted ways at their cars, Chris did something that would become a symbol of their enduring relationship; he planned their next date.

Love blossomed rapidly between Chris and Amy, and the world around them had to catch up to the intensity of their feelings. After six months of dating, they organized a picnic at a park, introducing their children to one another. A year later, in February 2020, they took a significant step, moving in together as a blended family, just one month before the world was thrust into the grip of a global pandemic. As many can attest, blending families is a challenging endeavor, particularly amidst such challenging times.

Their journey towards becoming a cohesive and loving family was marked by a myriad of experiences, both extraordinary and ordinary. It required dedication, resilience, the unwavering support of friends and family, occasional arguments, heartfelt conversations, leisurely bike rides, thoughtful plans, guidance from counselors, patience, self-reflection, practice, and, perhaps most importantly, forgiveness – all the ingredients essential for a successful marriage.

Through every twist and turn, Amy and Chris made a conscious choice to stand by each other's side every single day. They weathered life's storms together, forging an unbreakable bond. They are thrilled to formalize their commitment to one another in marriage, surrounded by the love and support of their cherished friends and family.