In 2019, Alli was working at UPMC Shadyside as a nurse on the hematology/oncology unit at UPMC Shadyside and Tyler was working as a clinical research coordinator at UPMC Mercy in the emergency department for Pitt. We stumbled upon each other's Hinge profiles and saw we had similarities in enjoying nature, national parks and shared faith. We messaged here and there through the app for several weeks before verifying neither of us were "creepers" and met at the Starbucks in Oakland for the first time. Our first official date was a Pens game who decisively crushed the Flyers. From there, we experienced the joys and challenges of dating during a pandemic, medical school, and crazy nursing schedules, but were ultimately drawn closer together by our faith and friendship.

Tyler's Perspective: Never did I think I would propose in Erie, PA. My 4th year of medical school was looming, and I knew that I wanted to be married before starting residency. I was scheduled to do my geriatrics rotation in Erie during the month of May. I knew that I wanted to propose somewhere in/near nature. I bought the ring a couple weeks before heading to Erie to get a lay of the land. I was fortunate to have a relaxed rotation and had time to scout out Presque Isle the day before it worked out for Alli and Oakley to come visit for the day. I explored the park for the first time for several hours before finding a more private spot that just felt right. I recruited the help of Seth (my Best Man and classmate) to capture the moment. I sent him the exact coordinates of where to go. I casually suggested to Alli that we should go to the beach with Oakley given the beautiful weather forecast. I sent a text to Seth with an ETA right before leaving and he was immediately on his way. I convinced Alli of going to this specific spot in the park based on the sort-of real recommendation from the Gritz family who frequents Presque Isle. Seth arrived at the perfect time just as we were going to the beach to set up. Alli was busy with Oakley as he was a mad man enjoying the beach for the first time. As I saw Seth coming over the crest of the hill, phone in hand, I wasted no time. I went up to Alli, took her by the hand and got down on one knee (Oakley also decided the one time he would lay down at the beach was at this exact moment next to us in the water), said the words and took in the moment as Alli was collecting herself. Seth managed to capture the moment faithfully despite the challenge of my nerves speeding the moment up. Alli's Perspective: What I thought was going to be a fun day trip to Lake Erie with Tyler and Oakley turned into a day I will never forget! I had a couple days off of work and wanted to visit Tyler in Erie as he was away for a month on a rotation for school. He suggested a day he had in mind and it worked out perfectly with my schedule! Oakley & I left in the morning to meet Tyler at his apartment. I was so excited driving up there because I couldn't wait to share a new memory together somewhere new. As soon as we arrived, Tyler let me know that he had to stop by the Convention Center for a class project he was just notified he had to complete before our day started. He seemed very upset and distraught about this, but I was honestly just so happy to be there it didn't matter what we did. After about a half hour of Oakley and I walking around outside, Tyler was finished and he seemed in a hurry to get to the beach. He insisted he drive there of course since he knew where to go. Although it felt like we drove forever to get there (many miles into Presque Isle), we were there very quickly. Tyler went to change out of his school clothes and Oakley & I went to explore the beach in the meantime. Within minutes, Tyler joined us on the beach & I could sense someone else on the hillside after he joined us. Tyler walked straight to us and asked if we could talk. He immediately got down on one knee and Oakley laid down next to him (almost as if they were in on this together) and asked to marry me. It all happened very quickly so I asked to have the past 10 minutes repeated for me a couple times. Seth ended up being the guy on the hill but we were very thankful for him! He captured the moment as quickly as it happened & it’ll be one of the best days ever for me caught on camera❤️