Connect How did your love story begin?

We met at a record store that Shannon was working at. As big music nerds, it’s only fitting that this was where our story began. Eric would come in and shop for things to buy that he thought would impress Shannon. They bonded over the fact that they have a tattoo for the same indie band from Omaha, Nebraska (which is rather niche we think). We began chatting through Instagram and one of our first dates was my nephew’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese’s.

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

Shortly after we first met (around 2 months), we flew to New Orleans for a weekend trip to see two bands that don’t come to Florida often. We packed in so many tours, museum visits, restaurant stops, record shopping, and concert going that it’s hard to say when or if we slept. An amazing whirlwind of a time that we will always cherish…even if the plane made a noise akin to something you’d hear within Jurassic Park the entire flight home.

What would you do with $20,000?

We own a cat cafe with a plant shop in it here in our town. Our friends own the cat rescue side of the business. We currently rent our building and with rent increases on commercial real estate, it’s been tough for us as a small business / nonprofit. We would absolutely love to purchase a building for our business to call home here in our town with this money so we can continue to foster community through our events and third space, and to find homes for kitties in need.