Shes a hard-working, beautiful orthodontist fed-up with dating New Yorks’ reality-TV stars. He’s a gritty orthopedic surgeon fresh out of residency; and now they’re poised to become the City’s new power couple. This is the story of Heather Kunen and Tom Schmicker.

Heather had spent a year working at Linhart NYC, a top dentistry practice owned by Tom’s uncle and cousin. She had even treated his mom, very successfully. Heather’s combination of intelligence, drive and commitment to her patients was a rare find and Tom’s uncle, Jan, knew

that he needed to keep her working for him…forever. But how?

Tom was moving to NYC to start his advanced training in total joint replacement at NYU that summer. The plan would be to allow the newly-single bachelor a few months to acclimate to the city and then spring a carefully laden trap. However, before any introductions could be arranged, nature found a way to unite these two soulmates. Heather was on her couch late one night swiping through online dating profiles, a tub of Van Leuwen’s at her side, and she happened upon Tom’s profile. His beaming smile and strong arms struck her. She swiped right, streaking chocolate across the screen in her excitement, and…It’s a Match!

Their first date was set. Tom chose Malaparte, a cute, neighborhood Italian joint in the West Village described as “amaaazing!” by Anna from Brisbane on Tripadivsor. Tom arrived early and found that there were no tables available. He had read that the restaurant took no reservations, but his source was outdated! He paced up and down the sidewalk, sweating, wringing his hands, and finally the hostess came over; she recognized that this was no ordinary date. She arranged for a table to be brought from inside and placed on the sidewalk, just for them.

Heather arrived, and wow, when they saw each other, it was magnetic. In fact, Heather instantly knew she would marry this man. They talked and talked and drank and ate mussels and pizza. Tom loved how easy it was to talk with Heather and she was so nervous that she barely

ate anything, which Tom loved, as he finished her dinner for her. The date continued, and they went to nearby dive bar and talked until past 1am. At one point a forlorn patron sitting next to them interrupted to say how amazing their date appeared to be going, and wished his had gone so well.

So when Heather’s number was finally given to Tom by his cousin, the two were already well on their way toward becoming a couple. Jan would keep her in the family, and practice, forever!