Connect How did your love story begin?

A love story that had been in the making for over a decade, we just didn't know it yet. We were best friends with the same friend circle. So when we made the decision to come out of the friend zone, it was a terrifyingly huge risk. WORTH IT. The true beginning of our love story was complicated, heartbreaking, beautiful and ugly. Our light(ning) was sparked in utter darkness. One of the worst shades. The loss of a parent. The day his dad was tragically killed at work changed everything.

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

Exactly one year ago today, in the most brilliant, shocking, beautiful, thoughtful, meaningful way, he proposed to me in front of all of our friends and family. A beautiful surprise that kept me crying for weeks (I'm a bit dramatic) but it was the biggest surprise I have ever experienced. On the day of my sister's big milestone graduation, they had planned to trick me with what was supposed to be a grad dinner, but was really a surprise proposal. Stunning truly, I'll never forget it.

What would you do with $20,000?

We would have the wedding of our dreams! One in which I know we deserve, however, I am currently finishing my PhD. in Gender, Feminist, and Women's studies at York University, Toronto, ON. To be honest, the financial sacrifice one makes when they choose to pursue a doctorate degree deserves more attention than it gets. Needless to say, this support would be a major help in facilitating the BEST celebration of our fave love story--OURS!