Nick matched with Nick on a dating app. After exchanging some kind and awkward texts, we went on a first date in February of 2020, chatting over small talk and wondering when this new "COVID" thing would blow over.

The "COVID" thing did not in fact blow over. We proceeded to try dating during a pandemic anyway, going on circular walks around the block while masked up or sitting on lawn chairs spaced six feet apart in a driveway and talking until late into the night. Despite the severe limitation of normal date-night options, our time spent connecting went exceedingly well.

Our relationship and mutual interest during the first few weeks of dating progressed quickly--almost as quickly as the intensity of the pandemic. We decided for the sake of safety and sanity that it was not totally ridiculous to move in together after knowing each other for only three months. Luckily, this move went very well for two introverts who figured out how to cohabitate successfully.

We spent the first year of our relationship eating lots of good food, watching great films, *actually* taking long walks on the beach, understanding each others' idiosyncrasies, eating even more food, and finding new adventures wherever we could.

Most of our adventures together included hiking, which meant a lot of dust and trail snacks and amazing memories together. But mostly dust and snacks.

As we spent time together in the balmy beachside area of Ventura County, we decided it was officially time to make Oxnard, CA, our forever home.

During our first international trip together, we stopped to take in the beautiful view while hiking in Killarney, Ireland. Nick chose this moment to get down on one knee in the mushy grass overlooking the majestic lake and propose to Nick, who was muttering profanities after recently battling to shove all our supplies back into a backpack. It was in this sweet, scenic, and somewhat sweaty moment that we got engaged.

After getting engaged, we made a move we'd been waiting even longer for--we brought home our first dog, Theo!

After getting a dog, we made him a centerpiece of our lives and, frankly, our entire personalities.

In fact, we've become pretty insufferable about doting on our dog. But our families and friends find Theo just charming and handsome enough for us to mostly get away with it.

Theo has officially been fitted for his tux and is anxiously awaiting the wedding in October so that he no longer has to exist as a child out of wedlock. He can't wait to see you there!