Alyssa was fresh off a 7-month cross-country roadtrip in the spring of 2021. She had signed up for Bumble Premium during her two month stop in New Orleans (so she could filter by height of course), but quickly realized that locals in head-to-toe camo holding up dead animals were not for her and never opened the app again. Back in New York with one month left of her subscription, she figured it was worth giving Bumble another shot. Ryan Devine was her first and only online date. She trekked across the city to Five Mile Stone in Ryan’s beloved Upper East Side and there he was, waving from a balcony reminiscent of the French Quarter she had just left behind. Hours of conversation and laughs later, they shut down the bar. She felt like she had known this goofy midwestern boy forever. As it turns out online dating is very easy — you just sign up and they give you the love of your life.

Ryan tried online dating for years and years, going on thousands and thousands of dates. But nothing felt quite right until he spotted the stunning vision with mermaid hair approaching the bar. Sweat poured out of him, a mix of nerves and city humidity. And then, just like that, all the searching was worth it. They laughed for hours, discovering their shared love of music, travel, volleyball, and family. He suggested a change of scenery and a romantic walk in the park which she immediately declined (she had seen Law & Order: SVU before). After an otherwise perfect date he gathered up the courage to make a move and went in for a kiss as her Uber approached. Alyssa pulled her late-covid mask up over her face and hopped into the car. (A kiss on the first date she thought? In the midst of a global pandemic?!!) Ryan realized he would never see that girl again.

But he did. That summer was filled with live music dates, mini travel adventures, and a growing friendship and love. Now four years later they have traveled the world, built a home in a Brooklyn apartment, co-parented the most lovable sheepdog, and been by each other's side through ups and downs. Not a day has gone by without laughter or the overwhelming gratitude of finding such a perfect match in a sea of millions. Here’s to a lifetime of more love ahead.