In the midst of the pandemic, Donna and Taylor met on a dating app called Bumble. Taylor loved that Donna had a map turtle photo in her profile. It was Taylor's Christmas-grin holding a smallmouth bass that made her swipe right.

For their first date, Donna and Taylor went hiking at the Audubon Community Nature Center and kayaking on the scenic Chadakoin River. On their first date, the couple shared their first kiss in a remote backchannel of the river. It was after the first date that Taylor knew Donna was the one.

The summer of 2020 was full of adventure for Donna and Taylor. Together the couple went on many pandemic-friendly outdoor excursions. Taylor took Donna to his favorite place on earth: the Adirondack Park. As Donna fell for Taylor, she was also inspired for his love for the Adirondack's and his alma matter, Paul Smith's College.

Donna decided to continue her education at Paul Smith's College -- 402 miles from Lakewood, NY! Taylor came and visited as often as he could (often monthly) and the two had many adventures hiking, kayaking, and exploring around the park.

On a cold snowy November day at Black Pond near Paul Smith's Taylor proposed to Donna.

When Donna graduated with her master's degree in August 2022, she began working at SUNY Fredonia -- FINALLY closer to home. Taylor and Donna have been living in Fredonia ever since.