The world started to bring the couple together in the summer of 2015. Patrick had recently accepted a new job and relocated to Philadelphia in August. Naturally, he decided that he would use being new in town as an excuse to join a dating site. Around the same time, Andrea had made the decision to sell her suburban house and move to the city – close one chapter to start another.

Both posted a few fun facts and their favorite photos (no selfies) on Hinge, a swipe right/ swipe left dating app that limits matches to people within an extended social circle. To this day, they can only guess which of their friends was the connector.

It all started with,

Patrick: “Hi Andrea! Nice to meet you.”

Andrea: “Hi!! Do you go by Patrick… or a nickname? And welcome to Philly!”

Andrea, lover of the details. Patrick’s plan had worked.

Their first date was brunch at Whetstone Tavern in Queen’s Village, but they wound up spending most of the day together walking around the city and discussing all of the things you’re not supposed to discuss on first dates (politics and religion to begin the list). By the third date (brunch, again), the couple knew something was special and soon after were officially dating.