Conor and Rob’s journey began like many modern love stories—online. Neither remembers which app, but they both recall that their initial connection wasn’t immediate. However, Rob’s persistence paid off. After following each other on Instagram, Rob asked Conor out. When Conor had to cancel their first date, Rob didn’t give up and suggested they reschedule. A week later, they finally met.

Their first date started with dinner and drinks, and conversation flowed effortlessly. They laughed so much that time quite literally stopped—Conor’s analog watch froze mid-dinner. After dinner, they strolled through a mall and ended up at a vinyl record store, where Conor found Pink’s Beautiful Trauma album. Rob mentioned his favorite song, “What About Us,” which Conor wasn’t familiar with at the time, but something about the moment felt like a sign, so he bought the album. The pair had been so caught up in each other that they nearly missed the movie, a moment they later laughed about—how time truly seemed to stop when they were together.

For Conor, it took a bit of time to fully open up, but everything changed on a memorable date to Howe Caverns. As they held hands deep inside the cave, the tour guide introduced them to a local legend. There’s a translucent calcite heart on the ground at the Bridal Altar, and according to tradition, if you stand on it, you’ll be married within a year. Looking at Rob and then at that heart, Conor felt like he was glimpsing into their future—a future full of love and adventure. So, naturally, he grabbed Rob’s hand, pulled him onto the heart, and kissed him, sealing their destiny. The rest of the tour group cheered, and less than a year later, that legend came true.

Rob realized that Conor was "the one" during that same date at Howe Caverns. Initially cautious, Rob soon felt a deep sense of safety and comfort with Conor. Standing on the heart made Rob realize just how connected they were. From that moment on, he knew it was love in its purest form.

Before Rob moved to Colorado for a new job, the couple decided to give long-distance a try. But before leaving, Rob planned a special day at Warwick Winery with Conor’s family. While wandering through the vineyard, they found themselves in a field near a horse pasture. Conor, holding both a gin lemonade and water, was completely unaware of what was about to happen. Distracted by an ivory-white horse, Conor had no idea Rob was about to propose. After a reminder from his brother about his horse allergy, Conor walked back toward Rob, only for Rob to drop to one knee and ask him the most important question of his life. Stunned, Conor threw his drinks to free his hands and said yes, with their families watching. The day ended with a beautiful engagement dinner with both families, making the moment even more special.

Rob’s patience and unwavering support balance Conor’s vibrant energy. Rob always wakes Conor with a kiss in the morning, and when he returns from work, he immediately drops everything to give Conor a hug. These small, daily gestures symbolize the steady love and care they share. Conor loves how Rob makes him feel safe, grounded, and believed in, and since being with Rob, Conor has become a better version of himself, constantly supported by Rob’s encouragement. Rob admires Conor’s ambition, especially his closeness to his family. When Conor talks about his brothers, his eyes light up, a bond that Rob respects and aspires to in his own family.

Together, they’ve built countless memories—from surviving a 28-hour road trip (without disaster!) to moving across the country. Their relationship has been a mix of adventure, personal growth, and unwavering commitment.

It’s poetic to think that on their very first date, Conor’s watch literally stopped. Time seemed to pause as they got lost in conversation and laughter. It felt like a sign—just like the Pink song What About Us, which foreshadowed the journey they would take together. The song’s lyrics speak to love, trust, and finding answers—fitting for their story of navigating life’s uncertainties and trusting in their journey.

As the song says, “It's the start of us, waking up,” and that’s exactly how it feels for Conor and Rob—like they’ve both woken up to the life they’re meant to live, side by side, forever.