We met on Bumble! We matched and messaged each other May 22, 2018.

Susie: Zoe had such a warm, wholesome look, and she mentioned her Peace Corps service on her profile, which I highly admire. I knew she'd have good stories to share. It was an easy swipe right situation.

On our first date (Saturday, May 26th), we sat on the beach of Port Sheldon and talked for hours, then had dinner at Sandy Point.

After a few more dates, I (Susie) asked Zoe to go steady with me June 13th. She was watching a softball game I was playing in. I gave her a photo album of a few pictures I had printed, and a note saying, "I'd like to fill this album with you."

Zoe proposed to Susie Sunday, May 17th, 2020.

Zoe had spent months planning and coordinating with several people to surprise Susie at work (Trader Joe's). Then Covid-19 raced around the world, complicating all her plans. She was resilient, and bounced back with creativity. She coordinated a car train to parade outside of the store, and activated a Zoom link for friends and family who couldn't be present. She had 'insiders', co-workers of Susie's, to make sure Susie could be in the front of the store, and to play special music. Zoe hopped out of the last car in the pouring rain and asked if Susie would marry her. She said yes!

Knowing that we wanted to spend our life together, it made sense to make an investment for our future. Zoe and I signed the papers for 1324 Walnut Street at the end of June, and we moved in at the end of July.

The global pandemic caused so many uncertainties and delays in all of our lives. We had originally wanted to get married June 13, 2021, two years after we started dating. As months went by under quarantines and lock downs, we realized it would be a long time before we could celebrate en masse. When Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed into the supreme court, many hearts sank. Her stances about LGBTQ issues are well known. It's only been federally legal to marry a person of the same sex or gender since 2015 in the U.S., and it is possible this right could so soon be challenged. Like many same-sex couples, Zoe and I decided we wish to be married as long as legally able, so we signed our marriage certificate Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. We appreciated the understanding, flexibility, and generosity of those at Temple Emanuel, our family and friends.

After a year and a half, we now look forward to celebrating our Brit Ahavah (Covenant of Love) with family and friends! While variants of covid still whirl around, we are grateful for the service of science and medical professionals. Our marriage has been tested by global and personal transitions, and we are better for it. We look forward to celebrating our growing and deepening love with you!