If you ask Lily: It all started with a swipe. On a chilly December evening in 2020, I had a first date with a really cute guy. His Hinge profile included a snappy photo of him dressed in a tuxedo inside the White House; I was intrigued. He asked to meet for drinks at 5PM, and I remember thinking, 'What is this guy, like 60?' Cole and I ended up in one spot for six hours talking, giggling, and getting to know one another. I remember being intimidated by the way he carried himself - confident and relaxed - and spoke - slow and thoughtful. We shared a love for good food, our families, and, of course, traveling. I was quick to notice that he was sharp, sweet, and playful. This was truly the first time that I was eager for a second date before the first was even through. Soon, we would be on our way to southern Utah, our first trip together as a couple. Just six months into the relationship, Cole stuck to my very regulated adventure schedule without so much as a question. Before I even knew it, my heart was already all in. It was clear that I had found the man who would be my partner in experiencing and exploring the world.

If you ask Cole: Lily and I met on a winter evening in December 2020. After weeks of working from home, I was feeling the weight of isolation and convinced her to meet me at 5 p.m. on a Friday night- I couldn't get out of the house fast enough to meet this beautiful woman. When I introduced myself, Lily lit up with a radiant smile and gave me an even bigger hug. In a time when most people were cautious about hugs and handshakes, her warmth was disarming. I was instantly captivated by her kind, honest, and generous nature, which came through every word and gesture. That evening, we lost ourselves in hours of deep conversation as the world outside faded away. Time flew by, and by the end of the night, I knew I had met someone truly extraordinary. Her intelligence shone through in her thoughtful insights, and her kindness left a lasting impression. From that first meeting, it was clear she was different in all the right ways- the missing piece of my life. I knew, even then, that she was the one I wanted by my side for this grand adventure. Little did we know that night would mark the beginning of a journey - a love story - that will last a lifetime.

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