We met like how most the gay do, on the apps—back when we were in college, swiping through profiles like hopeful detectives. I (Chris) popped up, and Mitch and I had a couple of dates, fun, flirty, with just enough awkward charm. But then, Chris dropped a bomb on Mitch: he was heading abroad for six months, volunteering and solo traveling. And much to Mitch's chagrin, the tall charming badger vanished.

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Like all good star crossed lovers, life seemed to find a way at getting us back into each others lives. We both ended up in DC, and while dating other people, had a few run-ins, which always made us wonder 'what if?'. It was not until COVID that there was an opportunity to see it through where we were both single and back in Minneapolis. Our first date was a COVID-walk on the Stone Arch Bridge, and it was after that date, Chris knew he would win Mitch over, and that he did.

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To Mitch’s family, Chris was the mysterious and elusive “med student”, and would take on nicknames 'the med-man', 'the med-mystery', eventually the Perry family nickname set as 'the meddler'. Chris finally won over Mitch's heart after a secret night at Mitch's cabin prior to his family joining where he brought a bouquet of flowers to be left for Mitch's family with a card signed “The Meddler".

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Five years, countless trips, and many states later, San Francisco being our latest home, we knew we were always meant to be. We both secretly planned to propose on that same bridge as our first date. Funny enough, Chris went first, three days ahead, without knowing Mitch was going to do the same. And so, with all our family and friends cheering us on, the Meddler became the fiance and soon to be, husband!

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*Pictured above: Mitch and Chris on a trip to Duluth a few months into dating*