Connect How did your love story begin?

We met as people do these days--on a dating app. He'd never dated anyone with kids before & IMO his North Loop lifestyle didn't seem to jive with my suburban one, but the chemistry was instant & grew as we kept chatting. Our sense of humor was so aligned that by the time we went on our 1st date a week later, we were both excited. If you've ever dated on an app, you KNOW how rare this is. And that first date? SO FUN. Even after 3 hours, neither of us wanted it to end. Some of that story is below.

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

Our first date is mutually one of our favorite memories. I suggested we purchase $10 tickets to see the MN Timberwolves play as the arena was halfway between my office and his home. But the thing is, those cheap seats are terrible and the drinks there are like $18/ea so we spent the next week strategizing via Bumble chat how to amplify the experience. We snuck in flasks, stealthily moved to open seats in the 5th row and ignored the game to laugh and get to know each other. Best first date ever.

What would you do with $20,000?

If we won $20,000 we would likely spend it on either a house downpayment or a destination wedding. Ultimately, we'd make that decision together. The kicker? I found out on date #2 that Justin's last name is Brookman (Bumble only told me he was "Justin B.") so that $20,000 could very well result in me officially becoming Brooke Brookman. I say "officially" because let's be serious; Our friends love nothing more than pre-maritally utilizing this hilarious nickname at every opportunity - ha!