We met in June 2021, just as the world was starting to open up again. After months of lockdowns and staying at home, we both decided to give online dating a try - without expecting much. Coincidentally, we were each other’s very first online date! Somehow, we just got lucky.

We were both a little nervous walking into our first date at The Stone Lion in The Beach, but right away, something just clicked. The conversation flowed, and it felt surprisingly easy just to be ourselves. Afterward, we took a walk along the beach – it was simple, no big gestures, just a really good night that stayed with both of us.

That evening, I (Tara) didn’t just start falling for Erik, I also came to learn and love the place where he called home and grew up. A place I had surprisingly never been before (and really not that far from Burlington). Tucked away in Toronto’s east end, The Beaches felt like a hidden gem to me. The wide beach, the boardwalk, the way the city just felt a little softer out there…it all felt like the start of something really special. It wasn't long before home started to feel like Erik...something I'd heard people say, but never really understood until then.

Since that first date, our lives started to blend together in the most natural way. And now, a few years later, we’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!

- Tara & Erik