Jonathan Chaffin and Jonathan Hafner met in March 2013 when Hafner* joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Hafner thought the organization would be a good way to make new connections while Chaffin had already been a seasoned member for a year.

While a bit overwhelmed following that first rehearsal, Hafner joined the group in their tradition of socializing at a local watering hole called Green Lantern, where he spotted Chaffin at the bar. Noticing Chaffin’s nametag, Hafner delivered his legendary pick up line: “That’s the correct way to spell Jonathan!” A short conversation followed and a smitten Hafner began to plot on how to see Chaffin again.

The brilliant scheme he concocted? A trivia league! Through some resourceful cyberstalking in the Chorus database, Hafner found Chaffin’s number and texted him and a few others an invite. Fate intervened as the rest of the group was not able to make it and the pair shifted plans to grabbing drinks at the 2-for-1 happy hour at Number 9. Over a few Stoli blueberry and sodas, they discovered common bonds beyond their first names, notably an appreciation of musicals and the importance of family. As the evening was getting late, Chaffin invited Hafner to spend the night as he lived within walking distance and the couple shared their first kiss.

Hafner dropped out of the Chorus before the concert that June due to a conflict for another event (though also because he found it just wasn’t his “thing”... or perhaps because he accomplished his actual mission in joining). They continued to chat, though, and soon had their first formal date at Woodward Table, a sister restaurant of where Hafner worked at the time.

Like many new relationships, there were a few bugs to work out early on, but they increasingly spent more time together and began to cohabitate in 2015. Over the years, they have conquered a number of trivia nights, enjoyed many evenings at the theater, and, of course, continue to champion J-O-N-A-T-H-A-N as the definitive spelling of their name.

Chaffin proposed to Hafner in October 2018 at the top of the Shard, the tallest building in London, following a trip to Oktoberfest with the Chaffin family. While there were a few delays in their wedding planning due to COVID and Chaffin’s grad school, they are honored to (finally) be surrounded by many family and friends in affirming their commitment to one another for the future.

* Yes, both typically use their full first names and, while not confusing to them, we’ll differentiate between the two by henceforth using their last names.