In June of 2024, Ali decided to check her Bumble account one last time. She’d been reading How Not To Die Alone with her friends Lynn and Sandi—which, frankly, felt like a cosmic sign to give online dating one more shot before adopting three more cats.

Meanwhile, across town, Marshall’s friend Guy was tired of their weekly “Manhattan Therapy Sessions” and finally convinced him to join Bumble. After years of being single, Marshall wasn’t expecting love… maybe just someone who enjoyed groceries and didn’t catfish him.

For three weeks, they both swiped through Bumble’s finest collection of “not quite” options—until they found each other. Bam.

Ali’s first thoughts:

Handsome. Sweet. Grounded. Educated. Loves travel and live entertainment. Plays pickleball. Yippee!

Marshall’s first thoughts:

Athletic. Outgoing. Adventurous. Might push me out of my comfort zone. I need that. Also—wow.

On Bumble, women get to choose (finally, the universe gets it right), so when Marshall sent a heart emoji, he had to fork over actual money to say hello. Ali had 24 hours to respond before the match would fall into algorithm purgatory.

His message: “I love a challenge.”

Ali: Sir… you have no idea.

But she swiped right anyway, just to see what this confident stranger was about.

Their first date was at Fleming’s in Plano (Ali was impressed by his choice). Marshall arrived early (naturally). When Ali stepped out of her car—big hair, big cat-print asymmetrical dress—Marshall’s jaw fully detached from his face, #smitten.

For three hours, they shared food, laughs, stories and one courageous first kiss (by Marshall), the chemistry was undeniable.

And just like that: bye-bye Bumble, hello whirlwind romance.

Pickleball. A Styx & Foreigner concert (they are children of the 80s, after all). Siesta Key for July 4th. Great food. Beach walks. Window shopping. And Ali’s requirement:

survive all four seasons together before taking any big steps.

So they did—spectacularly. Texas Hill Country Elephant adventures, Broadmoor ziplining in Colorado Springs, Sarasota sunsets, Asheville Grove Park Inn magic, Florida airboating, NYC & Broadway shows, NYC kid-meetings, Banff Alberta hikes… they didn’t just date; they traveled like two people trying to create a highlight reel.

Have you seen Ali's FB Page?

Four seasons: check.

Time for the next big moment.

In June 2025, on a Viking River Cruise from Paris to Normandy, Marshall planned the proposal of a lifetime in Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny—the exact green bridge surrounded by lily pads from Monet’s paintings.

He tapped Ali’s shoulder and said, “It’s time.”

Ali, soaking in floral bliss, turned around and said, “For what?” (She genuinely thought something medically urgent like 'his water broke' or something.)

Then Marshall dropped to one knee, cruise passengers became paparazzi and captured the magical moment. For the rest of the trip they were known only as “The Couple That Got Engaged.”

THE NEXT CHAPTER

In April 2025, Marshall sold his Siesta Key home so they could build their dream house in Riverland, a 55+ community full of active, fun-loving neighbors. When they moved in, Ali was repeatedly asked, “How did you qualify to live here? Did you marry a much, much older man?”

She took it as a compliment. Mostly.

Now they’re building a beautiful life (drama free)—new home, new community, new adventures.

The 50s were… fine.

The 60s will rock.

They zip around in their golf cart, play pickleball like teenagers with orthopedic insoles, go to yoga, pilates, stretch, and boot camp classes, and dream about everything ahead embodied by a mature, loving relationship based on shared valued and dreams.

They also have a fabulous guest room—and soon, a gorgeous pool and outdoor space—so yes, you’re invited. (To stay, not to move in.)

And as their wedding approaches, their hearts turn to you. Nothing would mean more to them, than celebrating this next chapter with the people they love most.

Colorado Springs will be an event to remember for sure!