Victor and I met like many modern love stories — we both swiped right and matched on a dating app in July 2020 (thank you, Tinder). At the time, I was quarantined in Tennessee and preparing to move back to North Carolina to begin my second semester of graduate school. After weeks of Snapchats back and forth, Victor was persistent about scheduling a date, while I was in no rush with a busy school schedule and lots of travel between states.

In September, we finally went on our first date at The Trail House — the place his family thought we “met” for years (which, technically, isn’t wrong). On this date, two strangers from different states, with no mutual connections, quickly realized how much we had in common. Victor had a good feeling about our first date and decided to keep the receipt, which he still has to this day. From that night on, we’ve spent nearly every weekend together making memories and having the best time along the way.

On November 23, 2020, Victor officially asked me to be his girlfriend. Little did he know that date was already special to me — it’s my parents’ wedding anniversary. What I didn’t know was that it’s also his grandparents’ anniversary. That date became a meaningful thread throughout our relationship.

On our 4 year anniversary, Victor proposed while we were on our way to pick out a Christmas tree for my apartment. He had thought of every detail — something he’s always been incredibly good at. As many of our friends say, “we’re activity people,” and life with Victor is filled with fun adventures. It still amazes me how two strangers from different states, with no mutual connections, found their way to each other so effortlessly. From our first date in September 2020 to a proposal on a date that has always meant family and forever, our story has felt both unexpected and meant to be.

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