These are the first photos Helen and Ciaran saw of one another on Tinder in early January of 2022. Despite Ciaran's sparse profile, Helen was intrigued. After poking fun at him for omitting a bio, she offered her editing services to help him write one.

The pair enjoyed an easy rapport chatting on the app, then texting on WhatsApp, then over a 2-hour phone call (Ciaran's accent did not disappoint). They soon met for dinner in downtown Annapolis, but the 1st date left both without a clear read on in-person chemistry, likely attributable to the crowded restaurant and frequent gusts of arctic air from the nearby doorway throughout the meal.

The 2nd date (pizza near Ciaran's place in Baltimore a week later) went much better. Helen invited herself back for a 3rd date the next day, and moved in 9 months later. The rest is history!

Since then, the pair have enjoyed trips to West Virginia, New Hampshire (to Camp Ossipee), Maine, North Carolina, upstate New York, and most recently: Brisbane, Margaret River, and Perth Australia to meet Ciaran's family!

Later this year when Ciaran's 3-year term with the Australian Embassy is up, the pair will relocate to Australia, exact date and city TBD (likely mid-September to Brisbane or Perth).