Connect How did your love story begin?

We met at 13 volunteering for Make-A-Wish through her brother. I fell for her instantly, but when my best friend died, I retreated and pushed everyone away. She found me again junior year—we went on a few dates before life’s chaos made us drift apart. I moved to NYC for college, returned during the pandemic. She asked me to watch her friend at a social justice protest. Standing together at more demonstrations, we reconnected and grew closer. On a Zoom movie date, I finally asked her out again.

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

Lake Como, riding the funicular to Brunate overlooking the foggy water below. After 4 years dating and 10 years of knowing each other, I finally found my moment. My third attempt that Italy trip—third time the charm, just like us getting together. I’d been scrambling for perfect words, perfect timing, but seeing her in that gold dress with sunlight dancing across her face as we gazed over the lake, I knew nothing could be more perfect.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’d renovate our new home and turn it into the home of our dreams for us and future additions to our family. Add a 4th bedroom and second bathroom—creating space for all the memories we can’t wait to make. We’d also use some of the money to fund our dream honeymoon back to Europe, where we got engaged..