On a chilly December evening just days before Christmas, Ella and Milan met for the first time at Rockville Town Square.

Ella had just rushed over from coaching her high school swim team in D.C., feeling both excited and very nervous. She was about to meet a really cute guy from Hinge who, among other things, shared her passion for martial arts. Milan, a man with a big appetite, had just polished off ten eggs (with pasta sauce - he would later convince Ella to try his culinary creation). He wanted to ensure he didn’t appear too hungry on their first date, having aimed for what one might call “a polite level of hunger.”

After dinner, Milan suggested they go ice skating in the town square. Afterward, they wandered through the square talking for hours, covering everything from lighthearted banter to deep philosophical questions.

Around midnight, as Ella got into her Uber, she immediately texted her friends about how great Milan was. In fact, the date had lasted so long that her friends had all texted her worried she had been kidnapped.

Milan told his mom Ella was someone special and even wrote down the date—just in case it ended up being important one day. For their next adventure, they agreed on an escape room. (What better way to get to know someone than being locked in a room together under high pressure?)

Since that night, Ella and Milan have built a life filled with shared passions, life goals, mutual support, and lots of laughter. They're beyond excited to bring together the people they love most to celebrate their wedding—and to begin this next chapter surrounded by joy, community, and love.