The pandemic brought the world to a stop and it was during this time that Karen and Alex made the decision to make some much needed changes to their lives. Karen decided that after 6 years of being single, she would sign up for a dating site so that she could “practice date”. Meaning she would not lose the skill of flirting, or being able to get to know people because being a single woman for such a long time had become comfortable space for her. She decided to put a line in her profile that made her laugh. It read “Together we can take over the world”. It was an inside joke she had with her siblings as a child. It was from a cartoon that both Karen and Alex grew up watching and it always made them laugh. Alex had made the decision to move to Los Angeles through work. He soon began dating and though he was in Montreal at the time for the holidays, he enjoyed getting to know new people in the city he now called home. When he saw Karen’s profile he thought to himself “oh I can be clever” and responded with “I’ll be your Pinky”. It made Karen laugh and there began a month of courting through text, calls, and face time dates. They began to connect and started some of their favorite things to do together such as watching shows at the same time and text each other throughout calling it “together apart” and something they still do when the other is traveling. The friendship they formed during this time has remained the foundation to their relationship.

Karen and Alex love to travel. It is of no surprise that soon after meeting they decided to vacation together. They decided on Maui, Hawaii, as romantic as you could get. Learning about one another, adapting to new situations, and seeing new places is a challenge for all new couples. However, this is where they learned to have deeper conversations, learned to spend extended periods of time together, and enjoyed each other’s company so much that they fell in love. It was the first of a lifetime of trips and adventures.

After much back and forth with Karen to figure out what would be the perfect engagement ring, Alex finally designed one that would perfectly fit Karen’s desire. Now, how to propose… Alex’s family was visiting LA and we decided to organize a dinner with both sides of the family. Karen had organized it, so Alex knew it would be an event up to her standards. He decided that it would be the perfect moment to surprise her with the proposal. As we were having the aperitif outside, Karen said jokingly to Alex to tell the best speech. That’s when he took the ring out of is pocket and proceeded to articulate a proposal to which she said Yes… and now we are here!