When Tara moved to Albany, Oregon, she was starting over in a new town, with a new job, and a new life. Around the same time, Andy was in college at OSU, figuring out his own next steps. Neither of them were really “dating app people,” but a swipe on Tinder changed that. Andy was convinced Tara had to be too good to be true, and Tara wasn’t expecting much beyond a casual conversation. But curiosity, and maybe a little hope, won out.

Their first date in Corvallis turned into hours of talking about music, comics, video games, horror movies, and all the odd little things they both loved. They were introverted and a little anxious, but somehow completely at ease with each other. By the end of the night, Andy blurted out, “Guess what,” before leaning in for their first kiss. It was awkward, sweet, and somehow perfect. And from that night on, they were rarely apart.

Seven and a half years later, with tickets to a music festival called The Best Day Ever in hand, Andy suggested a morning hike before the show. At the summit, the trails were crowded, and he searched for a quiet moment, because he knew Tara would never want an audience. Finally, under the shade of a tree, Tara climbed onto a rock and teased, “I’m finally taller than you!” That’s when Andy dropped to one knee.

Tara was completely stunned. Andy’s hands were shaking. And for both of them, it felt just like that first kiss: unexpected, full of nerves, and full of love.

After years of laughter, cozy nights with their cats Kit and Cookie, late-night gaming sessions, and too many concerts to count, they still make each other laugh every single day. Now they can’t wait to celebrate that love with the people who’ve been part of their story by dancing, laughing, and soaking up every bit of joy the night brings.