In July 2021, Aaron and I connected on the dating app called, Hinge, while living in Miami. Our first date was a bike ride from Coconut Grove to Key Biscayne. Despite a few hiccups—a minor bike chain issue and Aaron’s repeated suggestions to go kayaking—we had a fantastic time. We ended the evening with a beautiful sunset on the beach and dinner at a Spanish tapas restaurant in Coral Gables, where Aaron lived.

Our future dates were filled with exploration and adventure: biking new trails around Miami, snorkeling in the Florida Keys, discovering new restaurants in the city, and enjoying romantic sunset picnics at South Pointe Pier on Miami Beach.

A month later, Aaron asked me to be his girlfriend, and by September, just three months into our relationship, I visited his family and friends in Michigan. It was my first trip to the Midwest and my first University of Michigan tailgate experience—GO BLUE!

In October 2022, we moved in together. Our weekends and evenings became a routine of running or biking along the Venetian Causeway to Miami Beach, walking to the Miami Heat Arena for games and concerts, and enjoying evening strolls through a nearby park where we played softball and admired the dogs.

In March 2023, Aaron matched into the Family Medicine Residency at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. I agreed to move with him that summer, after graduating from the University of Miami with a Master’s in Education in Sports Administration in May, as long as we were aligned on marriage and children.

To celebrate our achievements and new beginnings, we took a two-week trip to Europe, exploring London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen. It was an incredible journey filled with walking, wine, historic sights (especially the Palace of Versailles in Paris), and amazing food in Copenhagen.

A week after returning, we packed up our cars, picked up our Australian Shepherd puppy, Bjorn, in Michigan, and drove to our new home in Dayton, Ohio.

On December 23, 2023, while we were in Michigan for the holidays, Aaron proposed during a hike with Bjorn. His reserved behavior in the weeks leading up to it and his insistence that I get my hair and nails done were all part of his meticulous planning. The proposal was simple, beautiful, and private—exactly how I had hoped, with just our dog by our side. We celebrated our engagement with family and friends at his parents' home, making it a truly emotional and memorable occasion.

A few months later, in May, we welcomed another Australian Shepherd puppy, Ivar, into our family. I joked with Aaron that no more dogs were allowed! 😂

Our relationship is a delightful mix of quirks: Aaron’s patience and passion for cooking balance my impulsive drive and love for a tidy kitchen and home. While my attention to detail contrasts with Aaron’s straightforward approach, plus our differing social preferences and spending habits, our love and support for one another complement perfectly. We’re excited for all the adventures that lie ahead. ❤️