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Like any great modern love story, ours started on Hinge… and with me running late (shocking, I know).

Our first date was at Atomic Liquors, where Johnny very patiently waited in the parking lot for 45 minutes thanks to festival traffic, while I sent live updates to prove I wasn’t ghosting him. Honestly, the fact that he stayed should’ve told me everything I needed to know, especially just how patient he is… which, if you know me, is exactly what I need.

Even before we met, our story was already unfolding in the same direction. We had both always wanted to live in Las Vegas and in the same year, 2023, we each took that leap on our own, moving just one month apart. A year later, we found each other.

Coming from completely different worlds, New Jersey vs. Alaska, we quickly realized we were somehow so similar… yet different in all the best ways. Johnny’s understanding of New Jersey came mostly from Jersey Shore, and mine of Alaska was pretty limited, given there’s still no Real Housewives of Alaska (a missed opportunity, honestly).

What started as one fun night quickly turned into something more. Along the way came a whole lot of laughter, the little moments that matter most, and one very important piece of the puzzle, Runkle, my dog, who made it very clear Johnny was our person.

Somewhere in it all, we found not just love, but a best friend in each other.

The proposal brought everything into full circle. Back to Atomic Liquors, in the exact spot Johnny waited on our very first date. (Yes, the same 45-minute parking lot moment.) Safe to say… this time, I didn’t keep him waiting—I said yes to forever.

Looking back, it feels like we were always on the same timeline… just waiting to meet at the right moment. And in the city that brought us together, we feel so lucky to celebrate our love surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.

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