Our love story is really, truly a sweet one. We matched in the heart of Covid. Dating looked different then, long gone were the days of casually meeting your one in only in person. I happened to be going to Charlotte to visit friends and Arjun was rock climbing in North Carolina when the Bumble web briefly brought us together. We initially bonded over our love of hot/cold therapy; little did we know that distance would soon be a marker for our flourishing love.

After many long chat conversations the date was set, we would meet at Gather in Greenville. Winter was still lurking by, but the budding of spring could be felt in the warmth of the sunlight. We talked for hours over beers and under blasting heaters as the night turned brisk. I knew it immediately that I had met my lifelong best friend, the one who I would spend the rest of my life with. Arjun, well it took him a bit longer!

We were both committed to making it work, we alternated weekends in between Asheville and Greenville. Later we learned to prioritize the small windows of time that we could talk over the phone when I had returned to California. The relationship was easy from the very beginning, but even in moments that felt difficult we both knew that what we had was worth fighting for.

Fast forward, we have now lived together for three years. I am serious when I say we are smitten. We have two cats, Mello and Nala. They have us wrapped around their paws. Our home is dotted with greenery and often smells like a diffusing oils or incense. We live in the bustling downtown area, right across the street from a wedding venue and breweries- the sounds of laughter and cheer permeate through our open windows. This life it really is a sweet one.

Arjun was raised in Boxborough, Massachusetts. A tiny sleepy town, where homes are nestled between plots of land and hundreds of trees. Arjun excelled in school and later attended Georgia Tech and underwent their chemical engineering program. At one of the hiring events, he showed up in a full suit, as only Arjun does, and was immediately hired by Michelin. This brought his move to Greenville.

I was raised in Orland, California. Also, a small town, but instead the homes are mostly within arm's reach of each other and between neighborhoods are orchards. I began my career as a registered nurse at a very young age. After working in acute care and rehab settings for nearly 10 years I decided I wanted my long-desired break. I traveled the world and planted roots in Australia. Covid managed to cut this dream short. But I still had this idea in mind that I wanted to travel, so off to North Carolina I went. The rest is history.

I now work as a school nurse for Greenville County School District, in a school nestled in the center of a quiet neighborhood, tucked between the safety of land and trees. Arjun is still employed at Michelin; he recently transferred and now works at M.A.R.C. (Michelin American Research Center). On Sundays, you can find us meal prepping, Arjun has taught me his ways! While I used to be a social butterfly, I now find so much solace in staying home. Arjun continues to enjoy rock climbing and together we both love to travel. We both love our family deeply and are committed to someday create a home that is safe, warm and loving for our children. In God's timing.

This is only a snippet of our story. Our relationship has always centered around honest love, understanding, communication, patience and joy. We are beyond excited to start this next chapter, turn the hypothetical page. Thank-you for joining us in celebrating our love and forever union. Cheers!