Joel and Sofía met on Bumble on September 27th, 2024. Joel was a broadcaster for the Lincoln Stars hockey team while Sofía is a music therapist for Suncrest Hospice in Omaha.

After a week of talking, Joel asked Sofía on a date and they had an early dinner at an Indian restaurant in Elkhorn October 6th. What both of them anticipated being no more than a couple of hours ending up lasting five hours. Sofía had a strict hour-and-a-half first date policy, which she broke, AND ended up cancelling another date that she had scheduled for later that evening to spend more time with Joel.

The shared pursuit of improving each other through their Catholic faith brought Joel and Sofía together. They are motivated to help lead each other and their future children to sainthood. Joel and Sofía were both drawn to the Extraordinary Form of the Mass at different times in their life. They frequently attend St. Francis of Assisi in Lincoln. From their second date, they have made an effort of driving an hour to each other to attend mass together every Sunday.

On June 7th, 2025, Joel proposed to Sofía at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha shortly after her family surprised her by showing up. The next day, they realized that the diamond in Sofia's ring was made on September 27th, 2024: the exact day that they first matched on Bumble!

The flowers of the Victorian Garden will always be remembered by the couple because of that special day, but yellow roses also hold a special place in the couple's hearts. Prior to attending mass together at St. Francis on their second date, Sofía prayed for clarity on pursing the relationship with Joel if he was her future husband: red roses if it was a no, and yellow roses if it was a yes. Fortunately for him, she received affirmation with yellow roses by the St. Joseph statue! Joel always tries to select yellow roses when getting her flowers.

Things to Do

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Lauritzen Gardens

Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront

Old Market Emporium