In July of 2023, Nina Landa, a friend of Reuven's, reached out to ask him what he was looking for in a partner. Reuven took the time to thoughtfully share the qualities he valued most. A few days later, Nina excitedly introduced him to some potential matches from the newly launched matchmaking app Loop, one of which was Eva. Reuven, intrigued, quickly asked Eva out on a date.
However, being July—and with Barbie themed birthday month festivities in full swing—Eva explained that she couldn’t commit to a date for a few weeks. The first evening she was free happened to fall on motzei Tisha B’Av. What started as a lighthearted joke became an actual plan: Eva suggested they meet up on the fast, bringing their "worst selves," and break the fast together. Both equally committed to the bit and charmed by the playful banter, Reuven eagerly accepted the challenge.
While neither of them remembers exactly what they talked about during the hour before the fast ended, they both recall feeling an instant connection. After breaking the fast, the spontaneous fun continued—Eva, who couldn’t stop talking about Barbie, and Reuven, who was eager to see Oppenheimer, ended up going to the movies together. And just like that, the love story of Barbie and Oppenheimer began.
When it came time for Reuven to pop the question, he knew exactly how he wanted to do it—but sometimes, even the best-laid plans don't go as expected. Early on in their relationship, Eva shared how much she loved the song Eishes Chayil by Eitan Katz, and as luck would have it, she was going to an upcoming Eitan Katz concert. Reuven reached out to the venue and arranged for Eitan to play Eishes Chayil—traditionally sung by a husband to his wife—as part of the proposal. But when the ring was delayed, the original plan had to be scrapped.
Undeterred, Reuven pivoted. He found a sentimental spot in New York City, secured permits, booked a photographer, and even coordinated with Eva’s boss to block off time for a 'work event.' To top it all off, he secretly learned how to play Eishes Chayil on the guitar. Everything was set—but then, Eva took a new job that would require her to move out of state just two days before the planned proposal.
Once again, Reuven didn’t give up. He moved the proposal up with just 24 hours notice, found a new location, and set up a 'friends' birthday party' as a cover. He enlisted the help of close friends to scout the spot and prepare for the big moment. On the day of the proposal, Reuven got Eva dressed up and ready for the party—but as they drove, she quickly realized they were heading in the wrong direction. Instead of a birthday celebration, they arrived at a pier overlooking the city skyline and the Hudson River—the site of one of their first dates.
There, surrounded by red roses, pictures, and a picnic blanket with champagne, Reuven stood with his guitar in hand. He played Eishes Chayil, got down on one knee, and asked Eva the easiest question of his life.