Ruben and Lisa met using the dating app Hinge. Both were living in Springfield, MO at the time. Lisa's friend actually sent the first few messages to Ruben because Lisa was too nervous to send them herself. Ruben and Lisa went on their first date to Civil Kitchen on September 26, 2020, and the rest was history. On the first date, they talked for 5 hours and found out just how much they have in common. They both worked at the same hospital, Ruben as a Respiratory Therapist and Lisa as a Pharmacist. They both have huge families. Ruben's Mom is 1 of 9 and Lisa's Dad is 1 of 10. Ruben is Romanian and speaks fluent Romanian. Lisa's maternal grandparents immigrated to the US from Romania. They considered themselves to be ethnically German, and Lisa grew up German Dancing. As soon as Ruben heard that Lisa was part Romanian, his interest was piqued. They spent the next few months getting to know each other. On Thanksgiving Day 2020, Lisa had to work. Ruben made a plate for her with a little bit of everything from his family's Thanksgiving and brought it over to her. Lisa thought this was incredibly sweet. His siblings were definitely starting to wonder where Ruben kept disappearing to and who he was bringing Thanksgiving food over for. Later that night, Ruben and Lisa told each other they loved one other for the first time. They soon met each others families. 10 months into dating, Ruben came on Lisa's annual family vacation to Fox Springs Lodge and met all of Lisa's extended family. Ruben played in tournaments, played Indian ball, went floating, went swimming, played volleyball, listened to Lisa's family sing songs at a weenie roast, and kept up with the crazy Fox Springs schedule. Lisa's family essentially considers this initiation into the family. 11 months into dating, Lisa met all of Ruben's extended family at a family wedding. Everyone was exclaiming "You're next!" They were not wrong. Ruben and Lisa talked all later that night about their future and wanting to eventually marry one another. In February 2022, Ruben and Lisa went shopping for a ring, and Ruben bought an engagement ring. Little did Lisa know that she would have to wait awhile for the engagement and the ring. Ruben had been trying to plan the perfect proposal and a few different plans changed. Before Ruben proposed, he would often wear the ring on his pinky finger while playing video games. He still misses wearing the ring while playing video games now. In July 2022, Ruben and Lisa decided to make the move to downtown St. Louis. They've loved every minute of watching Cardinals games, going to the Arch, and exploring St. Louis. On November 12, 2022, Ruben proposed to Lisa. Ruben had been acting a little weird, so Lisa thought a proposal might be coming. The day of the proposal Lisa for some reason convinced herself that it wasn't happening. They drove out to Cedar Lake Cellars. Lisa asked if they could take a picture. They ended up walking over to a nearby dock. There was a woman standing near the dock. Ruben asked her if it would be okay if they took a quick picture. She said that it was fine if they took a picture but that they'd have to be quick because the dock was reserved for another couple. Lisa ran to the front of the dock trying to be considerate of the other couple. As she was running, she noticed candles and a bottle of champagne. It wasn't until she turned around and saw Ruben down on one knee that she realized that the dock was reserved for them and their proposal. Ruben gave a beautiful speech and asked Lisa to marry him. Lisa said "YES!" The engagement was everything Lisa could have dreamed of and more. They have been planning their wedding, and they are so excited to celebrate with everyone on July 6, 2024!