In the serendipitous world of online connections, Amanda and Mark's love story starts on the dating app, Hinge. Little did Amanda know that what she hoped would be a casual date ending by 8 PM, would turn out to be the beginning of a beautiful journey. Secretly deciding that Mark would be her last date before taking a hiatus from first dates, Amanda found herself captivated by the charm of her unsuspecting match.
Mark, on the other hand, had struck gold with Amanda being his first-ever match. Their initial plan for catching a Monday night comedy show, ended up with late night poutine, and closing down not one, but two bars (including a not-so-24-hour diner) as they lost track of time, immersed in conversation (and a few pints).
As the world went into lockdown during the pandemic, Amanda and Mark navigated the challenges together, growing closer and moving in together, turning a cozy apartment into a home filled with love and laughter.
They made up for lost time after the pandemic, spending time with friends and family, creating memories and traveling the world together -- including a trip to Europe -- where Mark proposed.
From chance encounters on a dating app to getting engaged in a small town in Portugal, Amanda and Mark's love story is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the joy and possibility that comes from embracing the unexpected.