In October 2021, Bob and Gretchen swiped right on each other's picture on Tinder. They matched quickly, and with a simple 'hello', it began. They spent hours texting every day, almost immediately feeling a spark.

In November, they had their first date at a bowling alley in South Bend. Gretchen kept extending the night, from 1 round of bowling to 5, which he won. She then bet him she'd beat him at air hockey, which of course she did. Afterwards, they talked for hours in the parking lot.

After that night, they spent as much time together as possible. They went on countless dates, spent time with family, and took several trips.

September 2023, Bob planned to surprise Gretchen, who proudly claims she can't be surprised. He woke her up from a nap one evening, asking if she wanted to take photos at the Mishawaka Riverwalk before meeting friends. She complained the whole way—it was hot, she should've put her hair up, she wore the wrong shoes, etc. They made it to a gazebo surrounded by flowers, and he put his arm around her shoulder, holding the ring. She, not wanting to ruin it, said nothing! He followed her out of the gazebo to some nearby flowers and stopped. She noticed and turned around to see him down on his knee, surprising her. Gretchen said yes!