Connect How did your love story begin?

We met at a singles event I almost skipped because I’d accepted a job in Switzerland. I was there as a wingwoman, armed with the sophisticated opener, “Shots, anyone?” Will said yes. He gave me an Easter egg with jelly beans and his number, and we spent the night secretly putting the rest in strangers’ pockets. He actually texted me back, and our first dates involved a tandem bike ride wine tour of Cincinnati. Somehow, it was the perfect beginning.

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

My favorite memory was our second date: canoeing with our parrot, Abita. Knowing I love espresso martinis, Will packed everything to make them riverside. Then we flipped the canoe. Instead of chaos, he responded with calm, patience, and grace, making sure everyone, including the parrot, was okay. In that moment, I realized I wasn’t just having fun with him. I was seeing the kind of man I could marry.

What would you do with $20,000?

If we won $20,000, we’d absolutely put it toward our wedding, because apparently celebrating our beautifully unapologetic weirdness with everyone we love is expensive. 😂 It would let us worry a little less about the budget and a lot more about creating a day that feels completely like us: great food, beautiful flowers, lots of laughter, a little adventure, and probably a parrot, bird, and canoe. Most importantly, we’d get to start married life with more memories and less financial stress.