Once upon a time in the digital realm of matchmaking algorithms and swiping, Annie and Lee found themselves on the journey to discover love through the wonders of a dating app called Hinge. One day they found that they had a serendipitous match–an event that would change their lives forever.

Their first in-person encounter took place on a fateful Sunday March 17th, 2019, at the Irish Pub now known as Jameson's (Annie can't help but think the previous name, Finn McCool's, was much cooler). Lee had no idea that it was St. Patricks day, but after Annie clued him in he thought that would be a good place to meet Annie and celebrate the holiday.

To Annie's surprise, Lee arrived fashionably late–even though the place was literally walking distance from Lee's apartment (Lee's note: I was like 5min late. I had to walk down a hill!), leaving her with the impression that he might be too cool for her. Lee, on the other hand, oblivious to being late, was immediately struck by Annie's beauty and the sparks of attraction began to fly.

As the night unfolded, the two bonded over Irish drinks and engaged in passionate discussions about their favorite books (though Annie took 4 years to read Dune, a suggestion from Lee that night, only to find that she really liked it!). The evening took an unexpected turn as they embarked on a quest to find food, navigating the post-St. Patty's Day lack of places that still had kitchens open.

Despite the challenges of that first encounter, they emerged unscathed and eager to see each other again. That was five years ago.

As fate would have it, when the pandemic swept the world, Annie moved into Lee's cozy but not-so-spacious one-bedroom apartment in Venice. She brought along her “mild-mannered” feline companion, Murray…the fur baby Lee never knew he could have and “always” wanted even though he is allergic to cats. Despite the tumultuous world outside and the adjustments they had to make, they proved that love could conquer any obstacle.

And so, their love story, born from a digital match and a St. Patrick's Day misadventure, continues to grow and thrive, proving that sometimes, even algorithms and late arrivals can lead to a lifetime of love and happiness.

In the wake of the pandemic, Lee and Annie wasted no time in making up for the lost moments. With an insatiable wanderlust, they embarked on journeys to destinations like Tulum, Mammoth, Thailand, Whistler, and Greece, creating memories that will last a lifetime. One constant source of joy and challenge in their lives has been Lee's deep love for snowboarding. Annie soon realized that her snowboarding skills were not as sharp as she once thought. Over the past five years, it has been a journey of perseverance, marked by bruises, tears, and, more recently, the sweet taste of success as Annie honed her carving skills. Soon Annie will be asked to face her greatest fear, no, not spiders...the ocean.

Lee proposed to Annie on their trip to Greece this past summer. Annie had been harboring a concern about when, or even if, Lee would ever pop the question. To her, it seemed like the idea of proposing had slipped his mind entirely. Meanwhile, life had been bustling along without a proper vacation for the two, and knowing Annie had always dreamed of visiting Greece, Lee hatched a grand plan for a great proposal. Both of their families were both in on the secret. Annie didn't suspect a thing.

The adventure in Greece started with a whirlwind of hitting all the standard sightseeing spots in and around Athens, soaking up history while looking at every assortment of piled rocks and carved blocks. After checking all the tourist boxes, they rushed to the airport to fly off to their first stop in the Greek Islands. The first evening in Santorini was nothing short of magical. Lee had arranged a private table at a stunning cliffside restaurant, complete with a tasting menu and a breathtaking view of the sunset. They savored a delightful dinner, immersed in the beauty of the scene. Annie still didn't suspect a thing.

At the perfect moment, with the sun dipping below the horizon, Lee made his move. But Annie was so distracted by the sunset and the food, that Lee had to gently nudge her attention towards the table because she hadn't noticed that there was now a ring in a box on the table in front of her. Surprised, Annie's eyes filled with tears, and joyously said "yes". The restaurant staff, also in on the plan, promptly brought out champagne to celebrate. Later, Lee couldn't help but ask how she hadn't guessed his intentions, given the big trip, the cool hotels, and the lavish dinner. Annie's response was just, "I thought we got a good table because I like to eat dinner super early and I just thought that Lee was doing Lee things."

Lee and Annie are incredibly grateful for the wonderful circle of family and friends surrounding them. Their bond is strengthened by the value they both place on cherishing these relationships. As they embark on this exciting new chapter together, they're filled with anticipation for the adventures and joys it will bring. They can't wait to share these moments with the people who mean the most to them.