Connect How did your love story begin?

Like all great 2026 love stories, ours started with a swipe on Bumble. But apparently the universe had been trying to introduce us long before that. After matching, we discovered we’d both attended the same small concert just weeks earlier for an obscure emo band we loved in high school. Two people standing in the same crowd, completely unaware that we’d soon become each other’s favorite person. Life kept putting us in the same orbit until we finally swiped right.

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

One of our favorite memories is still one of our first dates. Richard planned a three-part surprise adventure that felt like it was designed just for me. First, ice skating, a hobby I loved as a kid but hadn’t done in over a decade. Then a visit to a quirky strip mall aquarium where we wandered around admiring fish, capybaras, and lemurs. Finally, sushi and sake to end the night. It wasn’t just thoughtful, it showed me how much joy he gets from creating experiences for the people he cares about.

What would you do with $20,000?

We dream of creating a business where adventure meets intention. Richard brings years of outdoor knowledge, from hunting and scuba diving to wildlife education. I bring event planning, organization, logistics, and experience design. Together we’d create unforgettable outdoor retreats that teach practical skills while fostering connection, mindfulness, and respect for nature. This prize would turn that shared vision into a reality and allow us to start building it together.