When we first met, it wasn’t exactly a smooth start—but it was certainly memorable.

Our first date was at a cozy outdoor patio. I (Elizabeth) arrived early for once, and Allen says he spotted me walking in and hoped it was me. My first impression of him? He was incredibly cute, put together yet casual, with a smile that was pure sunshine. But from the moment we sat down, things took a few amusing turns.

In true “Elizabeth fashion,” I didn’t realize Allen was vegan, so I ordered a big, cheesy pizza. To his credit, he didn’t flinch—just laughed and rolled with it. Then, about five minutes in, I decided to point out that Allen hadn’t parked his car in the “right” place and insisted he move it. (He graciously obliged.) The funny twist? Today, that exact spot is right outside our home—and it’s completely legitimate parking, after all.

Despite my parking critique and pizza blunder, we spent hours talking and laughing, and any little awkwardness faded away. For the first time, I found someone who made me feel at ease, someone whose smile felt like home.

From that night on, we just knew. The more time we spent together, the more it became clear that this was something real and lasting.