Our Story

Some love stories begin with a carefully planned introduction. Ours began with a missed flight, a basic-bitch pumpkin spice latte, and just the right amount of fate.

The Days Leading Up to September 24, 2024

Ariel set off on a solo European adventure, traveling through Greece, Istanbul, and Sicily (for one of her best friend’s weddings), before making her final stop in Munich, Germany, ahead of her return home to Dallas.

Alex also embarked on a solo trip, exploring the Jungfrau region of Switzerland before rendezvousing with his best friend Alex—better known as “Russia”—in Munich via train, before heading back to Oklahoma.

Russia’s journey, however, was…memorable.

Starting at JFK Airport with a layover before his flight to Frankfurt, he did what any reasonable traveler might do: head to the Amex lounge for a couple of beers to pass the time. Unfortunately, a couple of beers turned into…a couple too many.

Unfamiliar with JFK—and severely underestimating how long it would take to get to his gate—Russia suddenly found himself sprinting through the airport, politely (but urgently) asking strangers to let him cut the TSA line.

Meanwhile, as he was mid-sprint, the gate attendant called to check if he was on his way. He missed the call.

The plane did not miss him.

Forced to pivot, Russia rebooked the next available route—which, naturally, involved a connection through Iceland. After more than 24 hours with little to no sleep, he finally arrived in Munich and reunited with Alex at their hotel, exhausted but victorious.

September 24, 2024

Alex and Russia decided to take an Uber from their hotel to explore one of Munich’s historic areas. Noticing that Russia was fighting for his life to stay awake, Alex suggested they stop at a nearby Starbucks for a couple of espresso shots.

Inside that Starbucks—armed with a pumpkin spice latte—was Ariel.

When Alex walked in, he saw Ariel and couldn’t resist introducing himself. She was in the middle of attempting to pet a very cute dog, though there was one small issue: the owner spoke German, and she did not.

This gave Alex just enough time to gather his courage.

His opening line?
“Excuse me—hi. I just wanted to say you look absolutely stunning in your dress.”

Smooth.

It was an instant connection. They immediately hit it off.

After some conversation, Alex introduced Ariel to Russia. Upon meeting not one, but two Dr. Alex L’s from Tampa, Ariel was understandably…skeptical.

But after chatting a bit more (and being grateful for English-speaking company after a few days among somewhat standoffish Germans), Ariel decided they seemed safe enough—and, importantly, unlikely to be involved in any international trafficking schemes.

Since it was Ariel’s last day in Munich—and she had already mastered the art of navigating Oktoberfest—she offered to show them around.

They happily accepted.

What was supposed to be a quick coffee stop turned into an entire evening together: drinking steins of beer, exploring the festival, and becoming fast friends.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Alex and Ariel had taken quite a liking to each other.

After exchanging contact information, Alex flew to Dallas the very next week and took Ariel on their first official date. It only further confirmed what they already suspected—that this was something special. Within a few months, he asked her to be his girlfriend.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, they reside in Dallas, Texas, with their blended family: Pickles (a black, long-haired polydactyl cat with extra toes and extra attitude) and Parsley (a very charming white Havanese).

Our Story

Some love stories begin with a carefully planned introduction. Ours began with a missed flight, a basic-bitch pumpkin spice latte, and just the right amount of fate.

The Days Leading Up to September 24, 2024

Ariel set off on a solo European adventure, traveling through Greece, Istanbul, and Sicily (for one of her best friend’s weddings), before making her final stop in Munich, Germany, ahead of her return home to Dallas.

Alex also embarked on a solo trip, exploring the Jungfrau region of Switzerland before rendezvousing with his best friend Alex—better known as “Russia”—in Munich via train, before heading back to Oklahoma.

Russia’s journey, however, was…memorable.

Starting at JFK Airport with a layover before his flight to Frankfurt, he did what any reasonable traveler might do: head to the Amex lounge for a couple of beers to pass the time. Unfortunately, a couple of beers turned into…a couple too many.

Unfamiliar with JFK—and severely underestimating how long it would take to get to his gate—Russia suddenly found himself sprinting through the airport, politely (but urgently) asking strangers to let him cut the TSA line.

Meanwhile, as he was mid-sprint, the gate attendant called to check if he was on his way. He missed the call.

The plane did not miss him.

Forced to pivot, Russia rebooked the next available route—which, naturally, involved a connection through Iceland. After more than 24 hours with little to no sleep, he finally arrived in Munich and reunited with Alex at their hotel, exhausted but victorious.

September 24, 2024

Alex and Russia decided to take an Uber from their hotel to explore one of Munich’s historic areas. Noticing that Russia was fighting for his life to stay awake, Alex suggested they stop at a nearby Starbucks for a couple of espresso shots.

Inside that Starbucks—armed with a pumpkin spice latte—was Ariel.

When Alex walked in, he saw Ariel and couldn’t resist introducing himself. She was in the middle of attempting to pet a very cute dog, though there was one small issue: the owner spoke German, and she did not.

This gave Alex just enough time to gather his courage.

His opening line?
“Excuse me—hi. I just wanted to say you look absolutely stunning in your dress.”

Smooth.

It was an instant connection. They immediately hit it off.

After some conversation, Alex introduced Ariel to Russia. Upon meeting not one, but two Dr. Alex L’s from Tampa, Ariel was understandably…skeptical.

But after chatting a bit more (and being grateful for English-speaking company after a few days among somewhat standoffish Germans), Ariel decided they seemed safe enough—and, importantly, unlikely to be involved in any international trafficking schemes.

Since it was Ariel’s last day in Munich—and she had already mastered the art of navigating Oktoberfest—she offered to show them around.

They happily accepted.

What was supposed to be a quick coffee stop turned into an entire evening together: drinking steins of beer, exploring the festival, and becoming fast friends.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Alex and Ariel had taken quite a liking to each other.

After exchanging contact information, Alex flew to Dallas the very next week and took Ariel on their first official date. It only further confirmed what they already suspected—that this was something special. Within a few months, he asked her to be his girlfriend.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, they reside in Dallas, Texas, with their blended family: Pickles (a black, long-haired polydactyl cat with extra toes and extra attitude) and Parsley (a very charming white Havanese).