Connect How did your love story begin?

On Halloween weekend 2024, I randomly opened Hinge after it had been hidden on my phone for months just to see who had liked me. Kayla had sent me a message, and luckily she saw my reply. We spent the entire weekend talking on Snapchat from morning until night. Our first date was at Pineapple Express in Montclair, where she surprised me with a bouquet of flowers in a vintage vase. Life moved quickly from there, but every step has brought us closer together.

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

Our trip to Salem and Provincetown will always be one of our favorite memories. We spent our days exploring charming streets, finding little shops, laughing constantly, and making memories we’ll never forget. What made it truly special was feeling completely welcomed, accepted, and comfortable being ourselves everywhere we went. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was a chance to celebrate our relationship openly and create memories that reminded us how lucky we are to have found each other.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’d split the $20,000 three ways: invest $5,000 for our future, donate $5,000 to organizations supporting LGBTQ+ rights and ending gun violence, and use the remaining $10,000 to pay down debt or save for our dream of owning a home in Montclair—the town where we had our first date and where our love story began. For us, this prize would be a chance to give back, build security, and invest in the future we’re creating together.