Our story starts in downtown Toronto, at a little bar called 2 Cats, just as the city was emerging from COVID restrictions. It was pure serendipity. I (Vicken) wasn't supposed to be there that night. My usual spot was still closed, but a security guard suggested we check out 2 Cats. It was a fluke – but a very happy one.

Unbeknownst to me, she had also been nudged toward that bar by fate. Amanda had overheard some people on the street talking about how 2 Cats had just reopened, and, being a longtime fan of the bar, she decided to drop in. That night, she jokingly told her brother she’d probably meet her future husband — and, well, turns out, she was right!

Our first date was set on my birthday, which turned out to be a pretty significant day for us in many ways. But before we got there, I had to wait for Amanda to show up. She was a little (okay, very) late getting ready, but in the end, we just chalked it up to her nerves. Fast forward over two years later, and I've realized the truth: Amanda's just always late. (But that’s one of the many things I love about her!)

Despite the late start, our first date was filled with non-stop conversation. We quickly realized how easy and natural it was to be around each other. A spark was definitely ignited that night.

Fast forward to November 11, 2023. It was my birthday again, but this time, there was an extra surprise in store. Amanda had planned an entire birthday party for me, inviting all of our friends to celebrate together. Little did she know, I had already planned my own surprise: I was going to propose to her that night!

She was totally caught off guard when she realized how many people had shown up for my birthday and how many of them were in on the secret. The shock on her face when I pulled out the ring is something I’ll never forget. But the best part? She said yes, and we started planning our future together!