It started with a text...

Like all good Jewish couples, we were set up by our overinvolved grandparents. And while we may have been resistant, we can confidently say they know best.

After a several hour long first date, we both went back to our respective cities - Elana in Washington, DC and Ari in Monroe, MI - unsure if we would actually see each other again.

But like any good 21st century love story, we kept up with each other by sending copious amounts of TikToks.

And after several weeks separated by distance and one case of Covid, we decided to take the craziest second date ever - a trip to Florida.

It was high risk - high reward, and thankfully turned out in our favor. We didn't let the unseasonably cold temperatures get in our way, and got to know each other on the beach wearing our bathrobes for warmth.

After that, there were many trips back and forth between DC and Michigan for both of us - Elana even braved the trailer in Monroe!

But we knew we wanted to end long distance as soon as possible, so once her lease ended Elana packed up and went back to Michigan.

After a whirlwind year living together with our two cats, Ari asked Elana to marry him after an elaborate week of traveling at a vineyard near his family's lake house, with all of our family there to celebrate.