It was a Thursday evening in January of 2022, and the dating app algorithm stars aligned and brought Jackie's Hinge profile across Will's. He bravely started a conversation and promptly won her affection with his quick wit and his use of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" to break the ice. Before long, they had planned their first date for the following Monday, January 24, 2022 at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar.

Jackie headed out the door to meet Will for the first time and was on track to be early/on time for once in her life, when she got a text from Will saying he was running late. Here's why... The Bengals were in the playoffs and Will had watched the previous night's game with friends at Streetside Brewery, nearly a mile from his house. When he was leaving to meet Jackie, he remembered he left his car at the brewery and forgot to pick it up during the day.

Facing a 15 minute walk in the January rain, Will was in a panic. Mercifully, his friend Ted lived close by and was available to take him to his car. Thanks to Ted, Will was only 5-10 minutes late and Jackie knew that Will was worth the wait. She sat patiently at a table for two when Will walked in and their eyes met, all smiles, butterflies were gone and magic was in the air.

Sipping Old Fashioneds and unmistakably hitting it off, the time flew by. It was clear: this one was different. The hours passed and, staying out past their bedtimes for a Monday night, they reluctantly decided to call it a night, but not before scheduling their second date.

As they went to part ways, they shared their first kiss under a streetlight as the damp sidewalks glistened. Will still teases Jackie about the "spin move" she did as she floated away and said goodnight.

Their connection grew deeper in the weeks and months that followed. They met each other's friends and family members, mourned the Bengals' Super Bowl loss, celebrated Will's birthday/St. Patrick's Day, enjoyed many romantic dinners, deep conversations, lighthearted moments, and Sunday afternoons at Starbucks.

Since the beginning of their relationship, Jackie and Will have been totally smitten with each other. They have spent countless hours learning about each other with genuine interest and care. They are each other's biggest fans -- just ask Will how many times he sees whichever show Jackie's in, or watch Jackie beam at Will when he tells a story.

Jackie and Will are passionate about many things, both individually and together. They celebrate each other's interests, passions and achievements, and delight in sharing it all. They are playful and outgoing together. They take pride in making things special, making the big moments memorable and making the little moments count.

You can often find them dreaming up home projects, enjoying their favorite breweries around town, taking walks together, gathering and laughing with friends, living for fine Italian food (We will never stop searching for the best goat cheese & honey bruschetta in the Tri-State area), planning trips near and far, loving the Cincinnati Bengals (WHO DEY!), and seeing local theatre because Jackie knows too many talented people.

Each year, on January 24, they have returned to their first date spot, Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, to celebrate their love and pay tribute to the place where it all began.

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Will and Jackie went engagement ring shopping. They had known for a while that this was forever, and it was time to find the ring to seal the deal.

They found the perfect ring, and when Will put it on Jackie's finger, the gemologist told them to go to the window, where the sun was shining in, and hold it in the natural light. This was excellent salesmanship, because Jackie and Will both gasped and looked between each other and the dazzling ring in the sweet sunlight. That was it.

As many of you likely know, Jackie was perfectly patient and definitely was not tortured over the waiting and wondering how, where and when it would happen. And Will is great at keeping secrets and waiting...

A few torturous months passed, and then Jackie had a distraction. She was playing Marian in The Music Man at Footlighters Inc. in Newport, Kentucky. Coincidentally, or so Jackie thought, her family was coming to town to see the show on December 16, and so was some of Will's family... AND so were several friends from in and out of town. Hmm.

After the show on Saturday, December 16, Jackie came to the lobby to greet patrons. It was decided that "just the family" was going to Hotel Covington for a drink. She agreed but reminded them that she had her closing matinee the next day, so this was really just one drink!

Jackie, Will, Lauren (Matron of Honor) and her husband, Jack, walked to the parking lot and, as they approached the car, Will diverted to the street corner (7th & York), and pointed out the beautiful view of downtown Cincinnati from Newport, calling Jackie over to join him. She questioned it briefly but gave in and met him on the corner. It was there that he spoke the most beautiful words and asked her to share her life with him in marriage, presenting her with the most perfect engagement ring. The answer was a resounding "yes!"

The surprises continued when they walked into the Hotel Covington bar to meet up with the "family" -- only to find out there was a gathering of all kinds of friends and family waiting to celebrate them! From the beautifully curated decorations, to Jackie's favorite flowers, the delicious treats, and the champagne on ice, the room was buzzing with love. In every way, it was truly a night to remember.

And now we prepare to celebrate this special love story and the loving future ahead.