Nathan shoots his shot and slides into Lea's Instagram DMs. Lea had been arguing with strangers on the internet as she does and was experiencing personal attacks when she received this DM from a handsome stranger...

With COVID raging and most every country's borders shut, Lea and Nathan had no choice but to foster a completely virtual romance, which blossomed over the span of 8 months due to communicating for multiple hours every single day.

After one failed attempt to meet in Mexico (as the couple was looking at flights, Manchester closed their borders to all travel in and out of the city), Lea and Nathan were FINALLY able to meet in person for the first time in Manchester, UK.

Both parties were nervous about the trip. What if the online romance didn't translate? What if one of them was secretly a serial killer??? But the first meet was like a dream. The chemistry Lea and Nathan experienced online was a mere shadow of the connection they felt in person. Always on the same wavelength, the two basked in the ease of being with one another and had many adventures on their first trip.

After just two short weeks, Lea and Nathan had to say heartbreaking goodbyes.

After 8 long months, Lea and Nathan were reunited. With the COVID pandemic raging around them, only the UK's borders were open to travel. But they had many adventures on their month long visit!

They had their very first valentine's day together <3

And then took a trip to Amsterdam and even visited the famous Amsterdam Ice Bar!

They ended their amazing trip by attending Nathan's brother's wedding. It was a beautiful celebration of love and life!

When the US borders FINALLY opened, it was time for Nathan's first ever trip to the US! Lea and Nathan's first stop? VEGAS!

Where they saw Criss Angel Mind Freak!

And got into a bunch of ax throwing, Strip, and Bellagio shenanigans!

The couple then took a group trip up to San Francisco!

Where they celebrated gay pride! The rainbow beard was a MUST

Lea then took Nathan to Disneyland for the first time, a place that has very special meaning for her.

Many smiles and laughs were shared at the happiest place on Earth!

And the couple would find this happy place to hold significant meaning for them both in the future...

A trip to San Diego wouldn't be complete without a trip to the San Diego Zoo! One of the best in the world!

Their blissful trip couldn't last forever. Luckily, Lea had her Stitch, a gift from Nathan on their trip, to hug and to hold. Lea and Nathan found that each goodbye became that much harder than the last. So, they began to make plans to never have to say goodbye again...

Nathan's return to the states of course had to include his second trip to Disneyland! This time during the magical Christmas season.

This time they were joined by friends! Lea snagged reservations to the Blue Bayou restaurant 90 days prior.

This was the first Christmas Lea and Nathan got to spend together.

As well as their first New Years!

Lea even took Nathan to his very first rave!

After an exhausting trip, the couple said what would be their final goodbye.

Lea went back to Europe the following summer, where Lea and Nathan surprised his mum for a milestone birthday!

In one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris!

While Lea had been to Paris three times previously, she'd never been to the top of the Eiffle Tower before. She was saving that experience to do with someone special. The views of Paris did not disappoint! And the couple later attended a show at the famous Moulin Rouge!

Then it was off to Dublin for Nathan's second ever Pride Parade!

The couple also visited the Guiness factory where they got their portrait painted in the foam of a beer!

The trip ended with a gorgeous visit to the picturesque seaside of Wales with Nathan's mum.

And then it was time for the moment the couple had been dreaming of... two and a half years in the making... Lea helped Nathan make the permanent move to San Diego.

The rest of 2023 was packed with fun! Lea and Nathan attended a wedding down in Mexico and a Manchester United game (Nathan's team). They attended a birthday party on a yacht and of course went back to Disneyland for Oogie Boogie Bash where they dressed as the cast from Hercules. They went to a pumpkin patch and dressed up for Halloween. Nathan had his very first Thanksgiving, bringing just a little of the UK to the US tradition when he made Yorkshire puddings! The couple celebrated their second Christmas together, and even completed a 5K after a bit of training.

This past March the couple was visited by Nathan's parents! It was a lovely visit, which included an experience at the Long Beach Aquarium courtesy of Lea's good friend Alex, during which everyone met a very charming sea lion named Parker.

In April, Lea celebrated her 30th birthday in Mazatlan with friends. During the trip, the couple witnessed an incredible, total solar eclipse.

With a few raves under his belt, Nathan went with Lea to EDC! It was a magical whirlwind with friends where the couple danced all day and all night for four whole days.

In May, Nathan and Lea attended their second wedding together! Lea was a bridesmaid for one of her very good friends, Michelle. Michelle will be Lea's Matron of Honor.

Lea and Nathan continued to have more adventures together, including another rave, delicious home cooked meals with friends and family, Disney Pride Night, and a concert at the Rady Shell where they saw Star Wars Return of the Jedi with music performed by the San Diego Symphony!

This past August, Lea and Nathan took one final trip to Disneyland with Lea's parents before their annual passes expired.

Where Nathan PROPOSED to Lea in the Blue Bayou restaurant. It was a beautiful, perfect moment in which Nathan quoted Walt Disney himself.

The Disneyland photographers were incredible! They happily and excitedly captured this special day.

Not even Monsters After Dark could dampen these lovebirds' spirits!

We are so excited, not only for our future as a couple, but to share our happiness with all of you, our friends and family! See you on August 30, 2025 in Ensenada! Love, Lea and Nathan <3