Connect How did your love story begin?

Our love story began around Christmas at Philadelphia’s Christmas Village—twinkling lights, mulled wine, and fate. I had just returned home from a cross-country road trip, and he happened to work near my parents’ house. On our second date, he was so nervous he spilled his whole beer on me, and by the third, he invited me on his family’s annual vacation—six months away. Somehow, we both just knew. Everything aligned perfectly, and our hearts did too.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

One of my favorite memories as a couple was our trip to the Outer Banks, spending a week with his amazing family. I loved getting to know his sisters, brother, their spouses, and all the kids—it felt like I belonged right away. We took peaceful walks to get ice cream, shared laughs on the beach, and every morning we watched dolphins dancing in the waves. It was one of those rare, perfect weeks that made me feel completely at home—with him, and with all of them.

What would you do with $20,000?

With $20,000, we would put it toward our dream wedding. We’re both in a beautiful season of life, ready to take the next step and get married. It would mean everything to create a celebration that reflects our love—bringing together his large, close-knit family of four siblings and all their families, and my small but deeply meaningful family. We want a wedding that feels warm, joyful, and unforgettable—something that truly honors the people who have shaped us.