Our Story begins in 2009 when Grindr became one of the first geosocial mobile apps for gay men. Fast forward to the app, Bumble, where after matching, only the woman can initiate conversation. Being the strong advocate for female agency that she is, Dena found herself on that site and eventually swiped right on Jonathan after his profile indicated he was quite the salsa dancer. After some back and forth witty banter, they decided to meet.

Unbeknownst to Jonathan, Dena had actually seen Jonathan at a local sushi restaurant a week prior to their first date, but did not approach him at the time. Jonathan says it must have been because he was likely picking his nose at the restaurant. Dena neither confirms nor denies, but they did go ahead for that first date. Unfortunately, Jonathan showed up late, but Dena’s everlasting kindness would not let her give up. That would not be their first obstacle to overcome. As it turns out, Jonathan is a Montague and Dena is a Capulet, and they knew their warring families would never keep the peace in Verona.

They grew closer over the next few months. Jonathan attended Dena’s talks at the National Gallery of Art night events. And Dena made sure to break the legs of neighborhood children to make sure Jonathan had more work as a radiologist.

Finally came the time for proposing. Dena thought Jonathan would propose on their trip to San Francisco. Nope. Then, Dena thought Jonathan would propose when they stayed at the Bear Mountain Inn and Jonathan ordered champagne and chocolate covered strawberries room service. Nope. After crushing any hopes that a proposal was forthcoming, they were invited to an NPR Tiny Desk Concert where Jonathan got down on one knee in front of a Tiny crowd to ask for Dena’s hand in marriage. You can read about that here: https://www.npr.org/2020/02/14/805476846/laura-stevenson-tiny-desk-concert.

This was published by NPR on Valentine’s Day so we thought it only appropriate to get married on Tu B’Av, the Ancient Jewish Day of Love.