Rose and Andrew met on Catholic Match in August of 2020. Just over a year later, they were happily married at Rose’s family parish on October 2nd, 2021. Here's their love story...
They Were Both Really Nervous Before the First Date
It is funny how we can sometimes be so nervous about something that works out just fine. This was the case for Rose and Andrew!
Before their first date, both of them were extremely nervous to meet each other. The truth is though, they both had nothing to worry about! Rose was the first person Andrew messaged when he downloaded the app, and the first person to respond to his messages! This led him to feel a little bit unsure about whether or not they would be a good fit, after all, how could his first connection online possibly end up being his future wife?!
“I was quite nervous about what it might say and didn’t open it for a few days, but she was actually quite receptive to answering my questions and continuing the conversation. I think the fact that I spotted the one so early on still amazes me.”
There was no reason for either Andrew or Rose to be nervous, in the end. After their first date, they had great chemistry. Within just five short months of dating, they were already having conversations about engagement! Together, they prayed the 33-day Consecration to Saint Joseph ending on the Feast of Saint Joseph for discernment of marriage. On the weekend of March 19th, 2021, Andrew proposed to Rose with his grandmother’s ring. And she said yes!
What Attracted Them to Each Other...
When he saw Rose’s profile, Andrew was immediately attracted to the fact that Rose seemed to be the outdoorsy type. Andrew said, “Rose’s profile picture was a simple one of her standing in her parent’s yard with the most beautiful smile.”
Surely enough, Rose and Andrew happened to share a common interest in hiking and camping. Many of their initial dates were spent hiking, as well as attending Mass together.
Now that they have been together for more than a year, Rose says that what she finds most attractive about Andrew is his considerate nature. From their first date, Andrew showed consideration in planning around Rose’s food allergies and busy schedule as a first-year teacher.
And later, he gave her a very special Christmas gift...
“Early on in our dating, I had mentioned that I really liked Pride and Prejudice and had studied Jane Austen in college as a literature major. For Christmas, Andrew gave me a special edition of the book that held 19 hand-written letters that replicated the letters from the book. However, Andrew had removed the actual letters from the book and had replaced them with 19 hand-written notes to me in the style of the original letters. The project had to take him about a month and a half! I couldn't believe his thoughtfulness!”
Both Were Definitely Not Big Tech-Fans!
Both Rose and Andrew were not big fans of online dating or technology before they met on CatholicMatch. In fact, before dating Rose, Andrew did not even own a smartphone! His low-tech lifestyle was one of the reasons Rose was so attracted to him.
“On our date, Andrew shared that he still had a flip phone, and that really struck me since I had held out on getting a smartphone for a long time too. I appreciated that he wasn’t an addict to technology.”
In an era where technology is pervasive, it can sometimes be daunting to consider allowing technology into our love lives. Rose and Andrew, both shared an apprehension to online dating that ultimately drew them together.
Rose’s family encouraged her to continue trying online dating, despite being nervous about meeting somebody from the internet.
Rose’s surety of her desire for marriage bolstered her confidence in pursuing online dating. The supportiveness of family members also played a significant role in her willingness to try CatholicMatch.
“My mom and sisters helped keep me going and encouraged me when my nervousness came back.”
After matching on CatholicMatch, Rose and Andrew talked for about a month before meeting for their first date: a morning at church, followed by lunch.
Miraculously, both of them were active on the app for less than two months before they met each other.
Andrew sent her the first message, and from there, the rest was history!
