OUR LOVE STORY
Beth Anne's Version
Just a few days after New Years in 2023, I was hopelessly searching for love on the hellscape that is Hinge. I came across a profile that was mostly photos: a brown-eyed boy smiling from ear-to-ear on a bench at the top of Seattle's Space Needle, a blurry selfie of a tiny dog frantically licking his chin, and some other very random (and somehow endearing) shots. I remember thinking "he looks tall" and wondering if he was lying about his height. After deliberating for a minute or so on whether I should send him a "like," I finally did. As they say, the rest is history.
At the time, the dating app had just launched a new audio note feature where you could record yourself speaking, and it would show on your profile. I frustratedly recorded myself remarking that I wasn't looking for a Hinge penpal and I didn't want to spend all day chatting on an app—I wanted to meet real people in real life! My profile also made very a pointed mention of my love for ice cream, so it makes sense that "I like ice cream haha let's go out" was the very first message I received from my future husband.
Preston and I tersely made plans to meet the very next night for a quick glass of wine at Cooper's Hawk. Upon arriving, I saw him waiting for me outside the restaurant and smirked as I realized he wasn't lying about his height after all. Imagine my surprise when instead of a handshake or a hug, this man "dapped" me up with a smile and a chuckle. As we bumped chests, I stifled a laugh. If nothing else, I could tell he had quite the sense of humor, which I soon learned was an understatement. Truly, no one can make me laugh to the point of tears like Preston Coyle can (and does, often).
Well, after our mini-date, I was very smitten but admittedly very cautious. Surely, I thought, this guy is playing me. How could a 31-year-old man with such a stunning smile and a fantastic head of hair possibly be single? There must be a catch. As it happens, there was none! After a few months of getting to know each other better, we made it "official," and have been inseparable ever since. He is my biggest supporter, forever cheering me on in every new endeavor. Abundantly caring and sweet, he's always making me cry (in a good way!)—especially when we celebrate our dating anniversary every month with a handwritten card.
By the spring of '26, we had been together for three years, moved in together into an adorable apartment near the river, and had plenty of memorable adventures. Every time we travel together, I am vividly reminded that we truly are perfect for each other. The yin to my yang, his easygoing demeanor feels like home to me, and his incredibly sharp wit and comedic fearlessness mean we're constantly laughing our way through life together. Getting to love him is the greatest gift I've ever been given. So it should come as no surprise that when he popped the question on April 25, 2026 at a gorgeous little park on the riverfront just before sunset, my answer was a joyously tearful "YES." :')
I couldn't be more excited to marry this man who has taught me so much about life and love and patience and happiness. I can't speak for Romeo, but I'm fairly certain he's jazzed to officially have Preston as part of the family, too. We can't wait to see you all in May for the big day!!! <3
- Beth Anne / Beth / Elizabeth ;)
Preston's Version
For me (Preston), it all started with procrastination. I had put off dating for an embarrassing amount of time. Friends had started to push me to try dating online, family had grown concerned in general, so it was time to give love a shot… Months later, when the calendar turned to 2023, I finally said "enough is enough" and downloaded Hinge.
I quickly put together a profile, fighting the urge to not take it seriously, and within minutes I was on the market. Luckily for me, I received a "like," and the girl’s profile included an audio message challenging whoever liked her to essentially skip the pleasantries and ask her out because it would impress her. I was already jazzed enough from her pictures and the sound of her voice, but now a golden opportunity to avoid messing things up before I even meet her in person?! Hell yeah! I had noticed she included something about ice cream in her profile so I simply messaged “I like ice cream haha let’s go out.” She accepted.
We agreed to meet at Cooper’s Hawk for our first date (she wasn’t willing to drive to Atlantic Beach even though I had a coupon somewhere...that's besides the point...). I was nervous, but ready for whatever came that night. It’s hard to explain the feeling of meeting Beth Anne for the first time. You never know who’s gonna show up after meeting online. In this case, I was simply blown away. I wanted to stand up straight, be cool, be myself, but somehow match her level. It felt like I was in the big leagues now. So of course, I dapped her up at the door.
Within minutes of meeting Beth Anne, it felt more and more like I was talking to someone I’d known my entire life. I knew that night after she offered up her number that we were gonna be together.
The next few weeks were spent learning more about each other (and Romeo, her black cat). We started to just hang out together more with less formal “dates” and before we knew it, we were basically official. At least, to me we were, but I had forgotten about actually asking Beth Anne to be my steady. I eventually did, months after we had both moved across town into separate apartments that were only a few blocks away from each other. She was key in finding both places. She’s really good at things like that. Incredible, actually.
In the following months and years, we’ve both become part of each others' families. We’ve traveled to places like Italy, where we connected at the train station in Florence. New York, where we took in everything a holiday season in NYC has to offer. Annapolis, where some cherished times took place with Grammy and Pappy. Key West, where we almost melted into the sidewalk on the 4th of July. Myrtle Beach, for a Holl/Suriano beach trip. And of course, Pittsburgh, where multiple Christmases have been spent together now, with trips to Erie to see family as well. Sometimes, when we're lucky, we catch a Coach Holl-led football game.
All of these trips and experiences along with everyday life have always felt right and have always, in a way, felt like home being with each other through all of it.
Fast forward to 2026, and I knew it was time to finally purchase Beth Anne's dream ring and propose (!!!). With some help (and secret keeping) from her sister Maggie, I planned my proposal: taking her to a nice dinner, but with a surprise stop at a nearby scenic park on the St. Johns River. I made sure our favorite song was playing, and told her I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her (at least, I think I did? Truly, who could say.... I was a mess). She accepted.
Beth Anne is my best friend, she’s funny, beautiful, caring, and genuinely unique in all the best ways. We were destined for one another. We can’t wait for you all to join us as we get hitched!
- Preston
