OkCupid's Arrow
In mid-May, 2014, one OkCupid user rated another user's profile highly. Historians will long debate whether it was 4 or 5 stars (or if it were simply the result of OkCupid's admitted experimental data manipulation), but the one certainty is that this fateful rating triggered an automated email. This automated email in turn elicited a human email between the users, the first line of which read: "Have you ever by any chance looked into places where you could legitimately ride a moose?" From the incipience, a relationship reliant on mutual absurdity, wanderlust, childlike wonderment, and an adventurous spirit.
Brie Still My Heart
A series of messages back-and-forth revealed a deep connection between two otherwise anonymous people. In due time, username blockosmith realized this might be the girl he was waiting for, and decided to ask if username mag3467 would like to meet in person for pub burgers. She assented to a date on May 29th. Despite blockosmith arriving some 20 minutes late, and mag3467 anecdotally talking about cutting open horses, the two had a convivial time in each others' presence. The two were unable to get in their own ways, and burgers at the pub led to camelback rides at the zoo, grilled cheese cookoffs, movie marathons, and a fulfilling summer of memories.
The NAVLA
A whirlwind of summer activity settled into a studious fall and winter. The two traded adventurous days out for nights inside - where dates amounted to Owen getting to sit next to Karissa while she studied. These nights proved the relationship to be more than a side-effect of seeking out thrills, and allowed the two to become comfortable with the simpler aspects of life and each other. Winter finally yielded to spring, and determination paid off as Karissa recited her oath in June of 2015. Miss turned to Doctor, and shortly thereafter the good doctor accepted a position outside Seattle, WA.
Sleepless in Seattle
She would be going alone, however. The two road-tripped with their bunnies and enough of Karissa's possessions to fill a Pontiac G5 (admittedly that doesn't take much). After a very brief chance to get Karissa settled in Renton, WA, Owen boarded a plane and they parted ways with heavy hearts and plenty of soul-searching to do. Our troubled heroes would continue dating long-distance for a year, raging at time differences, bargaining with Skype to get a clear connection, and perfecting the art of the cross-country surprise visit.
My City Was Gone
When a year under contract came to a close, decisions had to be made. Karissa was in talks with one of her friends who knew of an open position at her clinic in Dayton, OH. She interviewed, was given an offer, and accepted, deciding to move across the country once more. This time, she wouldn't be going alone. Owen bided his time at his employer in Columbus until a reduction in force granted him freedom and severance pay, and then he accepted a new job in Dayton. The two bought a picturesque Cape Cod in one of Dayton's older, more quaint neighborhoods and rejoined their lives together. The world was once again open to them, and they availed themselves of a chance to travel throughout Europe.
2100 Meter uber Meer
On top of the world in the Swiss Alps, Karissa and Owen hiked through Piz Pilatus to the mountain's apex. The two did not expect the top to be such a heavily touristed spot, and had to dodge selfie-sticks and oblivious photographers to try and find a spot where they could look out and enjoy the moment together. In Owen's head, this was the chance - now or never - so he took Karissa's hand and prepared to deliver the half-remembered speech he had in mind. Before he could say a word, Karissa became worried. Luckily, not worried that she was about to be proposed to, but worried Owen was having a heart attack - when he held her hand in his it was trembling tremendously and they had just hiked up a steep slope. Karissa asked nervously about Owen's hand, to which Owen got down on one knee, pulled out a ring, and said, "Well, it probably has something to do with this."
#smitthenwithyou
Since you're reading this today, it seems safe to assume what her answer to his question was. Overflowing with happiness that they've shared together for over four years, the two now ask all their closest friends and family to share in the happiness. Karissa and Owen are striving to give their marriage a unique flair that shares with all guests a glimpse into the joy the two have brought each other. If the two have brought joy into your life, feel free to share a story with them and the world with their wedding hashtag (yeah we agree, the future is weird) #smitthenwithyou.