Her Story

Three weeks after moving to New York, my roommate Emma told me I had to download Hinge for all of the “New York stories.” Reluctantly, I agreed—and Perry just so happened to be the one match who made a plan.

In all honesty, the photos on his profile were a bit dated—clearly untouched since his senior year of college. That said, I could immediately tell he had a great sense of humor, so I figured I’d give it a shot. He initially suggested we meet in Chelsea, but after learning that I was watching my boss’s elderly dog—who was suffering from dementia (clinically diagnosed, might I add)—he offered to meet me on the Upper East Side at Uva.

I’ll never forget the moment I heard Perry say my name. I turned around and couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. Unlike most online dates, Perry was the rare exception who had somehow become more attractive than his photos.

We shared a bottle of red wine and burrata, laughing for hours before he walked me home. We made plans for the next week—and then kept making them for the next three and a half years.

The next morning, I woke up kicking my feet. I was over the moon thinking about Perry’s intellect and charm and all the unexpected things he’d shared about his interests and hobbies. I even called my mom and said, “I doubt it will go anywhere, but I’ll be really bummed if it doesn’t.”

After just a few dates, my girlfriends were reeling. Maurie declared, “He seems like a good New England boy.”

One day while we were doing laundry, Emma said, “I’m sure he’ll invite you to Nantucket by the end of the summer.” I laughed it off, still not expecting my little summer fling to go very far.

The next thing I knew, I was in Nantucket, shaking in my boots. We’d been seeing each other all summer, but I didn’t expect to meet the Hansons so soon. Those who know me know I’m quite the chatterbox, yet that weekend I found myself carefully selecting every word.

Despite my nerves, Perry and his family were endlessly welcoming. I was quickly initiated into the Hanson tradition of family dinner games organized by Laura—a trial by fire that, while intimidating at first, I now cherish.

We spent the weekend exploring Nantucket together, a place I’d never been. Perry showed me all his favorite spots, and I loved watching him light up in every corner of his special place.

The months went on, and our relationship grew seamlessly. From meeting my mom to getting to know more and more of my friends, Perry impressed everyone. He fits in anywhere and can make a friend out of anyone—just one of his many remarkable qualities.

A year after we met, we moved in together.

Over the past three and a half years, we’ve built the relationship of my dreams. When we began talking about our future, we couldn’t have been more aligned.

Perry worked tirelessly to keep the proposal a secret. In the months leading up to our engagement, Perry took a page or two out of my acting playbook to deliver a masterful performance. The week of, I had a small hunch—but my mom kept everything under wraps and expertly redirected my suspicions.

Nothing prepares you for the moment the love of your life is down on one knee. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed, knowing that everything I’d ever wanted in a life partner was right in front of me. Perry planned the most perfect proposal—it was the best night of my life. I even snuck away to the bathroom to pinch myself, just to make sure it was real.

Now, more than a year into wedding planning, I couldn’t be more excited to marry Perry in June. Every step we’ve taken led us to each other. I am so grateful to be celebrating in a place that now feels like ours.

After all, in a way, Emma was right—New York City dating gave me quite a story. I just never imagined it would become my perfect storybook ending.