Our love story began in 2019, months before we actually met face-to-face. We met in an unconventional, but conventional way: on the dating app Hinge. Lori was in DC for a work conference and Justin was living in Northern Virginia at the time. We matched on Hinge and soon after Lori's location jumped to Colorado. After a couple days of non-stop conversation, Lori surprised Justin with the fact that if he wanted to see her and keep talking, it would involve a flight out West or postage.

Justin was intrigued by the conversations, and after daily FaceTime dates, he took a leap of faith and traveled out West to meet Lori for the first time. Our first in-person date sealed the deal for both of us. Lori was completely smitten and Justin was excited to see what the future had in store.

Shortly after our first couple in-person visits, Covid hit. But, a global pandemic and distance couldn't stop us from seeing each other and growing our relationship. We fell in love during the height of Covid, adopted our sweet puppy Hoosier, and fostered our love of traveling together. We also enjoy football Saturdays watching the Hoosiers and the Buckeyes, football Sundays watching the Eagles, and Hoosier basketball. We are also in constant search of tacos.

We recently moved back to the Midwest to be closer to family and friends, but also importantly, we are closer to Bloomington (Go IU!) and Columbus (Go Buckeyes!).

On February 20, 2024, while in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Justin planned a surprise "anniversary" romantic dinner on the beach. Little did Lori know, he had some surprises up his sleeve. With music playing in the background and a photographer capturing the moment, Justin pushed Lori and told her to turn around. He got down on one knee, said sweet nothings, and asked her to marry him. We think Lori said yes, but being so overwhelmed with happiness, we can't confirm, but, she did take the ring. :)

Now, our love story has brought us here and we are so excited to celebrate with our family and friends! Thank you all for having our love story be part of your lives.