Avery and Leland met the modern way - on Bumble - and swiped their way into an internet dating success story. Avery was thrilled to find someone smart, driven, and just the right amount of nerdy. Leland was equally impressed to meet someone with a career as unusual as it was passionate, not to mention vibrant and outgoing.

Their first date at Rumba was supposed to be quick (Avery really should have been packing for a trip), but one drink became two, then they closed down the bar. That’s when Avery casually dropped that her “trip” was actually a three-month circus tour. Somehow, instead of running for the hills, Leland showed up the next day with sushi for lunch and one of his favorite books for Avery to read on the plane. They’ve pretty much been inseparable ever since - even from a distance.

Since then, life together has been full of little things that don’t feel little at all: joining wine clubs, cooking at home (Avery as head chef, Leland as sous), chatting and laughing over glasses of wine, and building a steadily growing collection of stuffed animals (all named, obviously). They’ve also become co-adventurers: Avery introduced Leland to the world of tabletop RPGs like D&D, and Leland returned the favor by introducing Avery to video games for the first time.

They’re now on their fifth playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3, proving that romance might just be the ultimate co-op campaign. Their relationship is playful but grounding - equal parts light and sparkle with a steady foundation underneath.

The proposal came (7 years later) during the holidays in Minnesota, disguised as a family photo shoot. After posing with the group, Avery started to walk away for the next shot to get lined up, when Leland said, “Actually, can we get one more?” She turned back to remind him they were on a schedule only to find him down on one knee. It was the easiest yes ever.

Now, they can’t wait to throw a party with all their favorite people and keep collecting the kind of small, joyful moments that make up a big life together.

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