Connect How did your love story begin?

We’re both first-gen Romanian Americans—he from Chicago, I from Cleveland. We met as kids at his church while I was visiting family, never knowing our story had already begun. We reconnected at 16 and 17 and started talking daily. Through distance, college, and a pandemic, our love grew. He proposed in 2021; we married in 2022 by Lake Michigan. Our grandparents came from the same tiny village—proof God was writing our love story all along.

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

Our favorite memory is our honeymoon in Aruba—Ezra’s first vacation ever. We skipped the resort and stayed in an Airbnb, loving the freedom to explore the island on our own. We bought cheap snorkel gear at a local market and spent our evenings swimming in quiet coves, chasing sunsets and sea turtles, far from the crowds. It was simple, sweet, and so us—full of adventure, laughter, and love.

What would you do with $20,000?

$20,000 would be life-changing. We’re 24 and 25, living in my parents’ basement while working full-time, paying off debt, and saving for a home. This would help with a down payment—bringing us closer to moving out and starting a family. I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis, and medical bills are adding up. Becoming parents is our dream, but the future is uncertain. This gift would lift a huge burden and bring us hope.